Beyond yachts and beaches, Mallorca is home to the largest bird in Europe. In fact, it is the only island in the world where the Black Vulture, with a wingspan of up to 2.9 metres, is still native. 

It was a close call, since the Black Vulture was on the verge of extinction in the 1980s, with only 19 Black Vultures left. Thanks to the efforts of the Black Vulture Conservation Foundation (BVCF), they are still with us. Today, more than 400 vultures can be found across the island, mainly in the Serra de Tramuntana. But is this a reason to cheer, or do threats remain?

Islander reporter Marlot Cathalina sat down with Evelyn Tewes, president of BVCF and director of the Fundación Vida Silvestre Mediterránea (FVSM) in Campanet. The center, open to visitors on select days, offers the chance to see sheltered vultures (unable to survive in the wild due to injuries), learn about Mallorca’s wildlife, and even adopt a vulture. Talking about an original gift!

Hi Evelyn, how did you get involved with the Black Vulture Conservation Foundation?

I earned my PhD. in Biology from the University of Vienna in 1987, with a thesis focused on the Black Vulture. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to the conservation of Black Vultures and other vulture species, along with their habitats, in Mallorca, mainland Spain, and other parts of Europe. Over the years, I’ve worked on various projects related to vultures, including reintroduction programs, feeding initiatives, hacking, captive breeding, and anti-poisoning efforts. This experience has made me one of the leading experts in the field.

Can you tell us more about the vultures on Mallorca and their importance?

Vultures play a vital role in the ecosystem. As scavengers, they help keep nature clean by consuming carcasses and preventing the spread of disease. By eliminating bacteria found in the remains they feed on, they act as nature’s cleanup crew. Additionally, vultures contribute to the food chain by quickly returning valuable nutrients and energy to the environment. Historically, vultures fed on Myotragus balearicus, an endemic herbivore of the Balearic Islands, but nowadays, their diet mainly consists of rabbits, sheep, and goats.

In the Serra de Tramuntana, they build large nests on pine trees, oriented towards the sea. From February to July, during the breeding period, it’s crucial that they have an undisturbed environment. Any disruption may cause them to abandon their nest and egg, and as they only lay one egg per year, losing it is a big loss.

What are the current threats to the vulture population on the island?

The primary threats to the Black Vulture population on Mallorca are largely linked to human activities and environmental changes. Think of recreational activities near nesting sites during the breeding season, as well as habitat loss and degradation. Accidental collisions and other physical injuries also pose a threat, along with lead poisoning from traditional hunting ammunition. Another risk is drowning, as young vultures often fall into the sea during their first flights. 

A major challenge for us is protecting the Serra de Tramuntana’s habitat, especially by maintaining traditional farming and livestock practices that help support the vulture population. However, the growth of agro-tourism is threatening this balance. That’s why we continue protecting their habitats and promoting sustainable practices that enable vultures and humans to coexist peacefully.

Without our work, it’s likely there would be a setback in the population, as a lack of knowledge and awareness could increase these threats. Additionally, we would lose a key network for monitoring and support, which has been crucial in achieving the success of the current population.

If you could change one thing in Mallorca, what would it be?

I would change how we manage the Serra de Tramuntana and other natural areas to ensure they receive the cultural, scenic, historical, and ecological recognition they deserve. Right now, many of these places are treated as recreational spots, with leisure activities often prioritized over conservation. Events like large-scale cycling races and extreme sports impact sensitive habitats and wildlife.

New threats are emerging, such as electric mountain bikes damaging trails and drones or hot air balloons disturbing wildlife. While these activities have a place, they need better regulation to avoid ecological harm. My vision is for a more sustainable approach that balances public use with environmental protection, promotes responsible tourism, and supports local farming and traditions, all vital to preserving Mallorca’s cultural and natural heritage.

Can you tell us about the role of volunteers and your plans with the sanctuary?

Our FVSM team consists of 11 people, including technical staff, environmental educators, and agricultural and forestry personnel. Volunteers play a crucial role in our organization, they participate in agroforestry and biodiversity conservation activities. Additionally, they contribute to specialized programs, such as monitoring sensitive nesting areas for Black Vultures on protected private lands and assisting with environmental education initiatives.

We’ve recently broadened our focus to include other endangered species like the Balearic stickleback fish, Balearic toad, and honeybees. One of our most exciting projects is BIOTRAMUNTANA, which combines conservation, innovation, and sustainability to protect the Serra de Tramuntana and make a positive environmental and socio-economic impact. Our projects can be carried out thanks to the financial support of the Fundación Biodiversidad of MITECO within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR), funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

Finally, why should the Islander reader adopt a vulture?

Adopting a vulture is a meaningful way to support conservation efforts for one of Mallorca’s most iconic species. The Black Vulture symbolizes the success of long-term conservation. By adopting one, you’ll help protect its habitat and ensure its survival. We offer two adoption options: The first one is to adopt a captive vulture at the Son Pons Center, name it, and help care for it. The second one is to adopt a wild vulture from the Serra de Tramuntana, track it via webcam and GPS, and follow its movements. 

Protecting Mallorca’s future starts with each of us. Let’s take responsibility for the environment and support initiatives that preserve our island’s beauty, biodiversity, and heritage. Change starts with small, everyday choices that together can make a huge difference.