Record year for bearded vultures in Switzerland

26 fledglings – a new record

The reintroduction of the bearded vulture in Switzerland reaches a new milestone in 2025.

A total of 26 fledglings have taken flight this year – more than ever before since the project began. Particularly encouraging: for the first time, a pair bred successfully in the canton of St. Gallen. There are now breeding pairs in five cantons.

Grisons as the stronghold, new cantons follow

The lion’s share of the offspring comes from Grisons, where 16 young birds have left the nest. In Valais, seven fledglings were counted, while Bern, Ticino and St. Gallen each recorded one. Experts regard these figures as evidence that the large birds are increasingly establishing themselves throughout the Alpine region.

«New breeding areas are being added continuously,» say those responsible for the reintroduction project. «This shows that the Swiss Alps continue to offer bearded vultures favourable living conditions.» In the coming years, experts also expect the first breeding pairs in central Switzerland.

Observation days and genetic diversity

In order to continue documenting the distribution and population size accurately, the bearded vulture observation days take place every autumn, as they do each year. The organisers rely on the support of numerous volunteers.

Despite the great success, experts continue to see a need for action. The genetic diversity of the Swiss bearded vulture population remains limited. For this reason, additional birds from genetically suitable lineages will continue to be released into the wild in order to secure the long-term survival of the species.