Factors influencing the distribution, abundance and nest-site selection of an endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) population in Sicily

Egyptian vulture (Neophrom percnopterus) breeds in Sicily and, in 22 years of monitoring, has shown a decline followed by a slight recovery. We used Generalised Linear Models to predict: (1) the distribution range, (2) the habitat selection within the range, (3) the quality (i.e., occupation rate, breeding success) of breeding sites. Some 60% of Sicily proved to be unsuitable, being either too densely forested and without cliffs for nesting, or too densely populated, along with intensive agriculture. The models converged, indicating that the pairs select a precise upland habitat where low cliffs, distant from urban areas, are surrounded by arboreal crops and Mediterranean vegetation. The variables predicting the quality of a site are also related to human disturbance, including the distance from a road or the presence of heavy traffic. Natural restocking, in the last 3 years, is occurring in quiet sites and in proximity to extensive grazing land rich in sheep and goat herds. These results focused on short-term programmes for local management of the species aimed at protracting the natural restocking: namely, the activation of (1) a stable system of artificial feeding stations, (2) nest site protection with joint activities for increasing public awareness, (3) a reintroduction project, by hacking, of juveniles born in captivity in Italian and European breeding centres. © 2003 The Zoological Society of London.