Two pairs of Eurasian Black Vulture started nesting in Alentejo, using artificial nesting platforms created by the project! This can be the first step for the reestablishment of a breeding colony of this species in the South of Portugal, after several decades without breeding in this region.


These two breeding pairs of Black Vulture were detected as a result of the monitoring by LPN following the conservation efforts developed by LIFE Habitat Lince Abutre. The nesting of this Critically Endangered species was possible as a result of the concrete conservation actions implemented under the scope of this project and of the crucial cooperation of the managers of the estate where the nests are located, in Herdade da Contenda.

On a recently monitoring visit, two Black Vulture pairs were detected settling on two of the artificial nests created by this project in Alentejo, having been confirmed that a Black Vulture is incubating on one of these nests as well as the deposition of plant materials on another, thus starting the reestablishment of a breeding colony in Southern Portugal.

After more than forty years without confirmed breeding south of the Tagus River in Portugal, a period during which only a (failed) nesting attempt was registered (about twenty years ago and on the same area), the settling of these two Black Vulture pairs on these artificial nests represents a success of the conservation actions of the project and an important milestone for Black Vulture conservation in Portugal.

The Black Vulture restarted breeding in Portugal in 2010 in the International Tagus River region, and is currently nesting only in that area (about 12 breeding pairs) and in the International Douro region (1 breeding pair). The current nesting record in Alentejo can represent the settlement of a third breeding colony in Portugal.

The Herdade da Contenda (Contenda Estate) is owned and managed by the Moura Municipality. It is recognised by its landscape, natural and hunting value, and it is hugely important for the biodiversity conservation and the Natura 2000 of the region.

During the following months, LPN will continue the monitoring of these nests, always in close cooperation with the local managers, expecting that this can become the definite settling of a new breeding colony of Black Vulture in Southern Portugal.