Conservation implications of the temporal and spatial distribution of Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus in Crete

We carried out a four-year (1995-1999) survey on the foraging and breeding distribution of Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus on the island of Crete. The age classes of all birds sighted were systematically recorded and data on seasonal distribution patterns were collected; 262 observations were made covering an area of about 4,000 km(2), at altitudes ranging from 200 In to 2,450 m a.s.1 (mean 1,100 m). Adult birds were distributed evenly throughout the island while young birds avoided active territories and were mostly sighted at the periphery of the high mountains. The species depended almost entirely on domestic livestock herded into and away from the mountains seasonally, with birds foraging in the uplands (> 1,200 m a.s.1.) from early May to late October and frequenting midland pastures (600-1,200 m a.s.1.) for the rest of the year. The mean altitude of nesting sites was 750 m (range = 280-1,450 m), with 80% of nests positioned below the 1,000 m contour. Bearded Vultures are more vulnerable to human-induced mortality within their breeding territories and on midland pastures in winter than in the upland areas in summer.