Threat to Egyptian and Gyps vultures in Europe

In the past 20 years huge declines have been seen in Gyps vulture populations in India and surrounding countries.  These declines have been linked to the veterinary use of Diclofenac, a non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drug.  Declines in vultures have had knock on effects like increases in wild dog populations and consequent potential impacts on human health.  Diclofenac seems also to be poisonous to Egyptian vultures.  Vulture populations in Africa seem also to be affected by the use of Diclofenac.  Apparent good substitutes for Diclofenac that do not affect vultures have been identified.

Recently, Dicolfenac has become available in Europe for veterinary applications.  This threatens vulture populations there, most of which are of conservation concern, all of which are legally protected.  Please consider signing the petition below calling for the banning of Diclofenac in Europe.

https://www.change.org/petitions/european-union-diclofenac-the-vulture-killing-drug-is-now-available-on-eu-market

Assamo still in Djibouti.

Since the last post Assamo has been moving around northern Djibouti much as he has for the past few months (see earlier posts).  Most locations over the past three weeks have been in and around Assa Gaila.  We did think that he may start migrating because from 6-8 March he moved close to where he would likely embark if he were to head north.   During early March Egyptian vulture migration across the Bab el Mandeb Strait is heavy.  However, during 9-10 March Assamo returned to the area around Assa Gaila.  So, at this very moment Assamo is showing neither signs of breeding nor migration.  The migration period has some time to run, so he may yet head north.

Movements by Assamo during 28 Feb - 10 March 2014.