Taking an important step towards protecting Turkey's biological diversity, Vaillant Turkey shared the one-year report of the Little Vultures Protection Project, which has been carried out with Doğa Association since 2015. While protection, research and awareness-raising issues have an important place in the studies that continue uninterruptedly in 2023, efforts to reduce threats were also prioritized. Within the scope of the studies, the identification of new little vulture nests in the Mersin Region was recorded as an important finding for the future of the endangered species.
With the work carried out within the scope of the project, 33 new small vulture nests were identified and taken under protection. While the research conducted in the Mersin region provides critical information about the breeding and feeding areas of this species, an information network was created among groups such as shepherds and headmen by including local communities in the project. This cooperation has created an important alliance in the fight against threats such as illegal hunting and habitat shrinkage.
The Little Vultures Protection Project, carried out in cooperation with Vaillant Turkey and Nature Association, has taken important steps and achieved concrete results for the protection of the species. The project focuses on the protection of small vultures, whose global population varies between 12 thousand and 38 thousand and whose population in Turkey is estimated to be between 1.500-3.000 pairs. In this context, the nests detected in the Mersin Region were monitored and the region was determined as one of the important breeding and feeding areas of small vultures. Additionally, a “shepherd network” was established to exchange information with local shepherds, headmen and decision-makers. The project enabled taking precautions against the threats faced by small vultures and raising awareness on these issues. In order to raise awareness, social media posts were made, festivals were organized, podcasts and scientific articles were published. These efforts are producing concrete results towards protecting the little vulture and securing its future.
THE FUTURE OF THE GENRE DEPENDS ON WORK
The goals of the project include protecting the habitats of little vultures, an important endangered bird of prey species found in Turkey as well as Europe, Asia and some parts of Africa, increasing their population and ensuring the sustainability of this unique species for future generations. Since the species is endangered, this cooperation is of great importance at the national and international level.
“WE CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE NATURE PROTECTION MODEL”
Ufuk Atan, Vaillant Group Türkiye Deputy General Manager Responsible for Marketing,
He stated that with the project carried out with Doğa Association, they not only focused on the protection of small vultures, but also contributed to increasing environmental awareness and developing a sustainable nature conservation model. Atan said:
“Media communications, scientific studies and cooperation with local communities within the scope of the project stand out as promising developments in terms of protecting the species and securing its future. “This successful collaboration also sets an example for efforts to protect other species and contributes to the goal of leaving a more livable world for future generations.”
“WORKS WILL CONTINUE WITHOUT INTERRUPTION TO REDUCE THREAT FACTORS”
Serdar Özuslu, General Coordinator of Doğa Association, noted that the project yielded important findings for small vultures, which are endangered on a global scale, and said:
“Thanks to the relationships established with local stakeholders, the impact of our work has expanded. Our awareness activities continue to increase. One of the biggest findings of the project, which has been ongoing for nine years, in the 2023 period was the emergence of the Mersin region as an important small vulture habitat. We continue our little vulture awareness activities in Mersin with Mersin City Council, Mersin Metropolitan Municipality and Tarsus Slowfood. Little vultures will start to come to the breeding grounds in the Mersin region again by the end of March. Thus, our research on breeding and feeding areas will begin. "The factors that threaten little vultures and mitigating measures will continue to be our focus in the coming periods."
