Tragedy in the Stara Planina: Rare Black Vulture Found Dead – A Blow to the Species' Recovery in Bulgaria

One of Europe's rarest and most strictly protected birds – the Black Vulture – has been found dead in the area of Vejen Peak in the Central Stara Planina. The discovery caused immediate alarm among ecologists and conservationists, as every loss of this species is critical to its survival in Bulgaria.

The Black Vulture is an emblematic predator that is listed in Bulgaria's Red Data Book as an "extinct" nesting species. Although reintroduction efforts have shown results in recent years, the population is extremely small – currently, there are only about 10 breeding pairs in the country. Therefore, killing or disturbing it is prosecuted by law as a serious crime.

The bird's body has been transported to the Wildlife Rescue Center in Stara Zagora. Specialists are conducting an examination to determine whether the death was due to natural causes or human intervention.

This is not the first alarming case in the past year. In March, another Black Vulture was found dead in the area of Mandritsa village. This bird had been successfully rehabilitated and released in January following a satellite transmitter tagging program. Upon examining its body, traces suggesting the use of poisoned bait were found – a twisted synthetic fiber with an attached stone and animal remains nearby.

Conservationists emphasize that the small size of the population makes every loss fatal to the long-term efforts to restore the species in the Bulgarian mountains.