Analysis of threats and opportunities for Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) conservation through the study of its feeding behaviour

Old World vultures, including the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), face numerous threats that contribute to population declines, making their conservation a global priority. This thesis investigates key aspects of Griffon Vulture ecology in Sardinia, Italy, with direct implications for conservation. The research is structured into four main chapters. The first chapter examines the effectiveness of different release strategies for conservation translocations, revealing that vultures subjected to soft release and longer acclimatisation periods exhibited smaller, stabilised home ranges and higher survival rates. The second chapter explores vulture movements and their overlap with wind farms in Sardinia, recommending spatial planning measures, including buffer zones around roosts and feeding stations, to mitigate collision risks with wind turbines. The third chapter quantifies the ecosystem services provided by vultures, such as carcass disposal and greenhouse gas mitigation, with public surveys showing strong support for conservation and willingness to pay for vulture-watching activities. The fourth chapter investigates ecotourism potential by mapping vulture foraging areas through accelerometer data and analysing visitor willingness to pay for vulture-watching. The findings suggest that this ecotourism model could offer ecological, behavioural, and sanitary advantages. In conclusion, this thesis provides valuable insights into Griffon Vulture ecology, with implications for conservation strategies, sustainable development, and local economies. The study highlights the potential for coexistence between human development and wildlife conservation, showcasing the role of scavenger species like Griffon Vultures in promoting sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in the Anthropocene.