In order to identify, catalogue and classify the territories with low or no productivity of the bearded vulture in the Spanish Central Pyrenees, work has been carried out that has served as the basis for carrying out conservation actions. The work in this phase has been carried out through field observation days and monitoring of the birds visualized until the breeding sites are located. Occasionally, attraction techniques have been used, through punctual deposits of sheep’s wool (a resource highly demanded by breeding birds).

Through the execution of this activity, it has been possible to verify that the territories selected in the previous breeding season continue to meet the established requirements. In addition , 7 eggs have been rescued from 4 reproductive units from which 5 chicks have been obtained and released (Cares, Vitorina, Jana, Julia and Escudero). Before their release, they were given a veterinary check-up, marked, samples and biometric measurements were taken. In addition, the specimens were equipped with metal and PVC rings, as well as patagial wing marks and a telemetry tracking device.

The methodology used in the monitoring of the specimens for the project is the same as that successfully used in the Recovery Plan of the Bearded Vulture in Aragon. The monitoring of the released specimens has been carried out by ground tracking and by using GPS transmitters. During the period of execution of the project, a total of 2440 hours of direct observation have been carried out throughout the year.

Within the framework of the project , suitable locations have also been selected for the installation of Specific Supplementary Feeding Points (PAS). The improvement of the physiological conditions of adult bearded vultures, especially females, directly influences the productivity of the different reproductive units (URs). A total of 17 low-productivity URs were detected, susceptible to supplementary feeding. During the 2015/2016 season, 12 PAS were selected, where during the first days wool contributions were made, to facilitate the task of nest construction. Subsequently, skeletal remains of sheep and goats from slaughterhouses were provided with the appropriate sanitary controls. Before being provided to the PAS, these remains are washed in order to remove disinfectants, antiparasitics and other substances that are usually used in livestock facilities. Finally, camera traps were placed to better monitor the PAS. Of the 12 URs submitted to the supplementary feeding program, 4 underwent laying.