Bearded vulture
Gypaetus barbatus
The bearded vulture gets its name from the bristles under its chin. The adult bearded vulture has lighter colouring on its head and breast. These birds like to bathe in ponds that have high concentrations of iron oxide, which gives the light-coloured plumage a reddish tint. The juveniles are dark brown throughout and only reach adulthood at the age of 6–7 years.
Conservation
Bearded vultures were once heavily persecuted for unfounded reasons, which had a heavy toll on the population. European vulture populations have been supported by birds released from human care, with dozens of their descendants living in the Alps today.
Animals born in Korkeasaari Zoo have been part of reintroduction projects in France, Germany and Spain.
Korkeasaari Zoo has an ongoing project to support the conservation of bearded vultures in the wild. You can also support the conservation by donating!
This species and the individuals living in Korkeasaari Zoo are part of an ex-situ conservation programme by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria EAZA, known as the EEP. The aim of the EEP is to maintain a healthy zoo population of the species, and to make reintroductions to the wild possible also in the future.
EAZA Ex-situ Programme
Endangerment
Distribution
Habitat
Diet
Size
Lifespan
Up to 40 years
Scientific classification
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae