Following multiple releases of both species, monitoring data shows populations of red and fallow deer are now thriving in the Rhodope Mountains rewilding area and beyond. This is good news for predators, scavengers and local nature-based businesses.

Having left the Rhodope Mountains rewilding area in 2019, a pair of griffon vultures tagged with GPS transmitters have now journeyed as far as Saudi Arabia. The data from their wanderings will help conserve this locally endangered species.

The number of griffon vulture pairs nesting in the Rhodope Mountains rewilding area in Bulgaria this year has (so far) reached 99. Despite this record-breaking figure, an unconfirmed poisoning incident highlights the threats that these birds still face.

As part of the long-term restoration of deer populations in the Rhodope Mountains, the latest reintroduction will further support the area’s endangered vulture species – as well as other scavengers and carnivores – by revitalising food chains and creating a healthier, more naturally balanced ecosystem.

The grant from cosmetics retailer Lush will be used to fund the first stage of a reintroduction programme, which aims to establish a breeding colony of the vultures in the Rhodope Mountains rewilding area on the Bulgarian-Greek border.

Continuing a longstanding reintroduction programme, the latest recent translocation of 91 fallow deer in the Rhodope Mountains rewilding area in Bulgaria will help to create biodiversity-rich mosaic landscapes and enhance local food chains.

A fun-packed programme, including a colourful dramatic performance, saw visitors of the visitor centre in the Rhodope Mountains, learn more about vultures and vulture conservation.

Two juvenile griffon vultures from the Eastern Rhodopes were equipped with GPS transmitters recently by the local rewilding team. This technology will provide critical data on the distribution, migration and possible threats to the birds, enhancing conservation of this magnificent yet locally endangered species.

A recent visit by Bulgarian journalists to the Rhodope Mountains rewilding area led to extensive coverage of rewilding efforts in regional and national media. Such productive results show the benefit of reaching out to and maintaining productive relations with media representatives.  

So far 72 griffon vulture chicks have hatched in the Rhodope Mountains rewilding area this year – seven more than in 2018. A milestone success for the local rewilding team, this record-breaking result represents another positive step forward in the Balkan-based comeback of these magnificent birds.