Bosnia has joined a regional project advocating an end to the practice of poisoning vultures so that these birds can be seen flying over the country again.

Bosnia was one of only three countries in Europe that was home to all four kinds of vultures, the Bearded, the Griffon, the Egyptian and the Black vulture.

However, the local population killed them off, according to ornithologists.  

The first vultures that were released into the wild as part of the project were released in Bulgaria, and Bosnian ornithologist, Tarik Dervovic, said that it is important that the birds are not poisoned when they appear in Bosnia. 

“We have to work on raising awareness about the importance of vultures, that these are not dangerous birds, but that they play a very important role in nature,” he explained.  

The Griffon lived in Blagaj until 1991, when 30 full grown birds were poisoned.

“That was the last remaining population of vultures that was at home here. Such a mistake must not be repeated,” Dervovic said.  

The ornithologist said that the release of the Black vultures in Bulgaria was a historic moment for the country.

“With this project, we will work on the protection of all wild animals from poisoning, with a special focus on vultures, and in this way we will surely create a safe environment for the return of these majestic birds to our lands,” he stressed.  

Vultures are considered the best ‘cleaners’ in nature, as they consume corpses and in this way help prevent the spread of contagious diseases, contributing to the proper functioning of the ecosystem. Since they have no natural enemies, poisoning was the number one reason for them disappearing from the region, Dervovic said.