WARNING🚨: This Post Contains Graphic Content. Viewer Discretion is Advised. We are wrapping up our IVAD weekend highlighting a current threat to vultures. Former Conservation Science Trainee Binta Sambou wrote to us about a recent mass poisoning event of critically endangered hooded vultures in her home country of The Gambia. Her work as a wildlife conservation officer has taken her to the frontlines of this tragic incident, fueling her with a renewed urgency to protect these endangered birds. “As conservationists and community members we must be alert to any suspicious activity so that we can help protect these vultures from further illegal killings and, as a result, protect our environment. We are doing it for the ecosystem and for the future generations, because if we protect our environment today, we are protecting it for the future generations.” Read the full story on our blog: www.hawkmountain.org/blog/in-the-field/the-fight-to-protect-hooded-vultures-in-the-gambia-continues-despite-recent-tragedy (fb)

Soar with us to northern Spain this International Vulture Awareness Day for an update on Egyptian vulture conservation efforts! The Spanish NGO AMUS Acción por el Mundo Salvaje, in collaboration with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and Fundación Iberdrola España, has launched a new project to better understand aspects of Egyptian vulture biology and identify threats using GPS technology. The project is being coordinated by Alfonso Godino, a former conservation science trainee and current research collaborator of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. The project began earlier this year, with the first nestlings tagged with GPS transmitters in June and July. Egyptian vultures nest on the sides of cliffs, so one of the biggest challenges is just getting to them! Check out these photos and videos Alfonso shared with us from the field. Read the full project update and a personal account by Alfonso on our blog: www.hawkmountain.org/blog/in-the-field/wings-over-the-mediterranean-international-collaboration-to-save-egyptian-vultures-takes-flight (fb)