Background The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is a large bird of prey, which feeds mainly on bones taken from the carcasses of wild or domestic ungulates. With recent population estimates showing less than 120 couples, it is a very rare species in the EU. The vulture is in a high position in the food chain and has a slow reproductive cycle, making it more vulnerable. It is included in the Annex I of the Birds Directive. Over the period 1986-2002, a programme involving several European countries re-introduced 114 bearded vultures into the Alps region. This programme even counted with the participation and activities of a previous LIFE project “Conservation of the Bearded vulture in French Alps” (LIFE98 NAT/F/005194). However, despite the successes, the re-introduced population is still vulnerable. Some of the released birds have fallen victim to illegal shooting or collisions with power cables. The emergence and growth of leisure activities like climbing, paragliding, nature photography and skiing also create risks for this species. These activities can result in death or injury to individual birds, but can also disturb the breeding pairs in nesting sites. With only 6 breeding pairs in the Alps, it was recognised that the results of natural reproduction were too weak. Also, monitoring of the birds was insufficient, resulting in a lack of awareness of the dispersion of the birds along the 1 500 km mountain chain. Objectives The ultimate aim of this project was to establish a self-sufficient population of bearded vulture in the Alps. It sought to increase numbers, support breeding and remove threats to the bird. Firstly, the population of bearded vultures in the area was to be strengthened by the release of young birds over 4 years. The project also sought to identify and then remove or mitigate any disturbances and threats to each and every breeding site, including cables close to nests. To support the project’s long-term vision, it sought to improve the monitoring of the bearded vulture in the Alps. The project planned to monitor the birds through transmitting satellites and exchange the data at international level to build up knowledge and awareness of the survival rates and geographic spread of the reintroduced population on the whole alpine chain. To achieve this, it intended to build cooperation between organisations in different countries of the region, particularly France, Italy, and Austria. Results The project raised 33 young bearded vultures in breeding centres at Vienne and Haute Savoie. During this time, three surveillance cameras were installed in the Haute Savoie breeding centre and the images retransmitted online. Three breeding seasons of two adult couples and one young couple were thus monitored without disturbing the birds. The feeding patterns of the birds in captivity were also carefully monitored. New birds were banded and had the feathers on their tail and wings bleached - which stays visible on the bird until their first moult at the age of 2 or 3. This enabled 26 young birds reintegrated into the wild between 2003 and 2007 to be monitored. Electronic tags that can be followed by satellite were also attached to seven young birds, which were released and their movements tracked. The monitoring work increased understanding and knowledge of the species. The information gathered included observations on demography, migration patterns and causes of death. Genetic diversity was assessed based on an analysis of feathers collected on the ground. This information helped inform the creation of an international restoration plan for the bearded vulture between France, Italy and Austria. Switzerland is already discussing joining the plan. To facilitate international collaboration around surveillance of the birds, standard observation forms were developed for recording information and an internet site for exchanging results was set up. The LIFE project enabled the expansion of the network of trained bird monitors to over 4 000 people across the whole region and nearly 10 000 monitoring forms were completed. Three new Natura 2000 sites were designated and a further site was extended. The project worked to raise awareness of and develop agreements with other actors - such as rock climbers and helicopter pilots - to avoid disturbances to mating bearded vultures in protected areas during the most sensitive periods. The project team worked to identify all the dangerous or potentially dangerous overhead cables for large birds of prey, particularly the bearded vulture. They then worked to increase the visibility to the birds of 5.6km of electricity cables, two pylons and numerous chairlift cables, including over 50km of the most dangerous parts across Savoie and Haute-Savoie. Already during the lifetime of the project, it achieved an impressive 116% increase in the number of breeding couples across the Alps (from 6 to 13). The number of bearded vultures there is now estimated at 130 and 30 young birds were born during the observations. With 10 young birds taking flight in the Alps in 2007, the population is now considered to be sustainable . With the increases in understanding of the threats to the birds and the long-term agreements to improve their protection, the project has laid the groundwork for future conservation actions. As well as internet sites, the project used panels, brochures, newsletters, seminars and media coverage to raise awareness of the importance of its work.