Romania is expanding efforts to restore vultures to its mountain landscapes through a €7.56 million programme that aims to reintroduce at least 194 birds and establish viable breeding populations in the southwestern Carpathians.
Details published on 11 November outline plans to release at least 170 griffon vultures and 24 cinereous vultures by 2033. The project focuses on the area around Domogled–Valea Cernei National Park and Obârșia-Cloșani commune in Mehedinți county.
Coordinated by Rewilding Romania, the initiative involves the Romanian Ornithological Society, Spain’s GREFA and the Vulture Conservation Foundation. GREFA will organise the provision and transport of birds from Spain. The programme’s formal starting date was 1 October 2026; this week’s announcements describe its objectives and implementation. Vulture Conservation Foundation
The operation will begin with griffon vultures before expanding to the cinereous species. Birds will undergo veterinary checks and spend six to nine months in an acclimatisation aviary before gradual release. GPS transmitters will allow conservation teams to monitor their movements and identify areas used for feeding and resting.
EU funding through the LIFE programme is expected to cover up to €4.53 million, or 60% of eligible costs. The project is scheduled to run until 30 September 2033.
Releasing birds is only one part of the work. Planned measures include teams using trained dogs to detect poison, alongside efforts to reduce risks from power lines, wind turbines, lead and certain veterinary medicines. These precautions address threats that could undermine the establishment of a breeding population even after successful releases. romania-insider.com
Romania historically supported four vulture species, but all disappeared as regular breeding birds during the twentieth century. Conservation organisations attribute that decline to persecution, poisoning, reduced food availability and habitat change.
Their return would restore an ecological function as well as a conspicuous part of the country’s wildlife. Vultures consume carcasses and recycle nutrients, while their movements can connect populations across southeastern Europe.
Preparatory work began well before the current funding period. Rewilding Romania conducted a feasibility study and established cooperation with the national park in 2023. Further work involved municipal consultations, selection of the release site and arrangements with local authorities. Construction of the acclimatisation aviary began in February 2026. Rewilding Romania
The programme’s success will ultimately be measured by survival and reproduction in the wild. Reaching the planned number of releases would mark an important milestone, but establishing a population capable of sustaining itself will require continued monitoring and cooperation with the communities sharing the landscape.
