Our Work
The Foundation Pro Bartgeier
The return of the Bearded Vulture in the Alps is the aim of our work! Therefore, the Foundation Pro Bartgeier (Bearded Vulture) advocates,
- that the conditions for a viable Bearded Vulture population are met in the Alps,
- that Bearded Vultures are reintroduced in sufficient numbers and with the necessary genetic variability,
- that the resettlement will be carefully monitored and scientifically well-founded, to continuously assess the population dynamics and potential risks,
- that an optimum protection of sensitive species is ensured and
- that the general public is informed and a wide acceptance of this species is created.
The Foundation Pro Bartgeier was founded in 1999 as a charitable foundation headquartered in Zernez. She walked out of the company out of reintroduction of the Bearded Vulture GWB which had been called by individuals with an interest in the reintroduction of the Bearded Vulture in 1989 to life. The Foundation Pro Bearded Vulture is the only federally legitimised organisation for reintroductions of Bearded Vultures in Switzerland.
Bearded Vultures roam extensively and live at a low population density. Due to this, the species relies on conservation efforts being well coordinated internationally. The Foundation Pro Bartgeier works closely together with various partners from the neighbouring Alpine countries. Central to this is the collaboration with the Vulture Conservation Foundation, which campaigns for vulture protection at the European level.
To achieve these goals, the Foundation takes all necessary measures and also works at national and regional level with numerous organizations. They also support activities of other institutions or individuals that serve the purposes of the foundation.
The objectives of the Foundation are achieved through the following tasks:
- Rewilding of Bearded Vultures from the breeding programme
- Implementation of rewilding of fledglings
- Careful monitoring during the rewilding period and comprehensive monitoring of the stock (satellite telemetry, monitoring natural breeds, Bearded Vulture Counting Days, monitoring using population genetics techniques, etc.)
- Theme-specific conservation efforts (to protect against interference, preventing lead poisoning, etc.)
- Active public relations and communications work
- Project management, international coordination, administration
This is financed through donations and in kind from private persons, non-profit organizations pursuing similar goals, federal government, cantons and municipalities. (see Donate
