Black
vultures conservation 
Phoenix
combined forces with Inspection Tiger and university volunteers
to preserve the Black Vulture population in Khasan, the very Southern
tip on the Russian-Chinese border - the only wintering ground for
these scavenger birds. Black vultures (Aegypius monachus) are a rare and endangered species included in the IUCN Red List and CITES II. A winter survey of 1985-86 recorded a population of about 650 birds. Since then however, the numbers have been declining tragically for many reasons but primarily due to shortage of food as recent heavy snowfalls have made foraging for food extremely difficult. In addition, the animosity of the local folk towards vultures has not helped matters. Traditionally, the vultures are despised, and a cruel local practice was to stone to death any birds found too sick or weak to move.
As a result, by the winter of 2000-2001, about one third of the remaining vulture population had disappeared. Phoenix first took on the issue in 1999-2000, but our efforts were hampered by official indifference and on the part other NGO's who did not fully appreciate the gravity of the problem.
In the winter of 2001, Phoenix organized a campaign to save Black vultures, with financial support from Tigris Foundation (Holland) and IFAW-Russia. The campaign involved Inspection Tiger rangers, local NGOs, and university volunteers who helped deliver additional food supplies to the vultures in Khasan. Despite these efforts, the loss of 100 vultures was recorded.
In
December 2002, thanks to support from the Rufford Foundation Phoenix
developed informative booklet on the black vulture population to
foster positive attitude towards the birds and increase communities'
awareness. The project increased the knowledge on the black vulture
and awareness to the plight of this bird, strengthened ecological
education, facilitated nature conservation, and therefore, created
a more stable basis for conservation of the endangered species.In 2002 black vultures did not die of starvation. There were cases of natural and ordinary death of illness, electric shock, poaching etc.
Since November 2003, Phoenix Fund has been monitoring the vultures’ population. In February 2004 there were two cases when dead birds were found in Bezverkhovo deer farm, Khasan district of Primorye. Besides these two cases, during the winter season 2003-2004 there were no incidents of injury or death, partly because of the relatively smooth winter and due to eco-classes at local schools. However, Phoenix continues educational work with both children and adults in the district and distribute materials on black vultures among local population.
Phoenix remains grateful for the financial and in-kind support provided by many Russian and international organizations.
Black vulture conservation in 2003 (Adobe PDF file)
Black vulture conservation in 2004 (Adobe PDF file)
