The eradication of the use of poison in the Andalusian mountains has been key to the survival and recovery of the bearded vulture, says Íñigo Fajardo, the coordinator of the Recovery and Conservation programme for Necrophagous Birds in Andalucía.

In his opinion, the first birds to be released probably fell prey to poisoned baits, but the strategy introduced by the regional government more than a decade ago, and increasing awareness and cooperation from land owners and users of mountainous areas, has been essential in combating this serious threat to the species.

Patience

Íñigo Fajardo also says that "you have to have a great deal of patience when it comes to bearded vultures, because they are difficult birds. They have a lot of character and they live a long time, which is why they take so long to start breeding, it can be up to ten years," he explains.

He also points out that with this species it is often the case that they don't reproduce at the first attempt.

And this is something which has occurred with several pairs in the wild.