From October-November, the Bearded Vultures are busy building their nests in a cliff cavity or re-using an old nest, or even usurping an eagle's nest, which they refill with materials. They lay branches to form a thick base, then line it with wool, and finally dig a basin in which they can comfortably incubate their eggs.
As Bearded Vultures lay their eggs in the middle of winter (January-February) in the mountains, wool has several functions: thermal insulation of the eggs, absorption of moisture, attenuation of the impact of eggs on branches, etc. But wool also plays another important role in the reproduction process. The supply of wool by pairs is a very good stimulus indicating the reliability of each partner. This type of stimulus synchronises the two partners and helps trigger reproduction. Wool is therefore a precious and essential material for lammergeier reproduction.
Due to the decline in the number of ungulates in the mountains, Bearded Vultures are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain wool from dead animals. To remedy this situation to some extent, LIFE GYPRESCUE agents are disposing of wool in the field to increase its availability.
