Two More Vultures Killed by Electrocution in Cyprus

Two more Griffon Vultures have died from electrocution in Cyprus’s power distribution network, raising the total number of raptors killed this way to six since the beginning of the year.

The first pair of vultures died from electrocution in May. Another pair followed a few weeks later, and now two more vultures have suffered the same fate.

According to BirdLife Cyprus, a non-governmental organization, the latest victims were two female vultures, Iris and KAN, aged three and one, respectively. They were brought to Cyprus from Spain as part of a conservation effort to prevent the extinction of this species.

Both incidents occurred this month: the first on August 2 at a power distribution pole near Agios Ioannis Paphos, and the second on August 25 at a pole supplying power to the Cyta antenna in Pentalia. The cause of death for both birds was confirmed through autopsies conducted by the Veterinary Service.

Both power lines are located in key areas frequently used by vultures.

“As the vulture population grows and more birds are fitted with GPS tags, we are learning more about the threats they face,” BirdLife Cyprus stated.

Before 2022, there had been no recorded cases of vultures dying from electrocution in Cyprus. However, electrocution has now become the second most significant threat to Griffon Vultures on the island, a concern that is also relevant in other countries.