Time running out for Cyprus vulture

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

NICOSIA (AFP) — The majestic sight of vultures hovering over Cypriot skies may become a thing of the past if the island's fast dwindling griffon predator population is not protected from extinction.

No more than 20 survivors remain on this eastern Mediterranean holiday island, well below the 40 breeding pairs experts say are needed to ensure their survival.

"Griffon vultures are rapidly declining; they are close to extinction and the young aren't making it," said Michael Miltiadou, a research officer at conservationist group BirdLife Cyprus.

"They will become physically extinct if nothing is done to sustain the population," he told AFP.

Some experts warn they could be gone in five or six years if new measures planned by conservationists and officials...