GRIFFON SCOUTING

Experience a unique opportunity to observe and photograph the protected griffon vulture in its natural habitat.

PRICE

42€ per person
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FACTS

Currently, around 80 pairs of griffon vultures nest on the island of Cres, with additional nesting sites on the nearby islands of Plavnik, Krk, and Prvić. The griffon vulture, Gyps fulvus, is of great importance to the Tramontana region, the island of Cres, and Croatia as a whole. Efforts are being made to preserve their habitats, increase their population, and raise awareness among citizens and tourists about the importance of protecting these birds due to their risk of extinction.

On Cres, there are two ornithological reserves: Podokladi in the central part and Kruna in the northern part of the island. The reserve in Tramontana is named after Kruna, a cliff in Pod Beli where several pairs of eagles—what people on Cres call griffon vultures—have been nesting since ancient times.

Including

  • Set sail by boat for a short trip to the natural habitat of the griffon vulture, a unique colony in the world, where you can see and photograph the griffon vulture while enjoying the pristine natural surroundings.
  • Tour of the griffon vulture habitat and photography session.
  • Panoramic return cruise to Beli

THE GRIFFON VULTURE

 

The griffon vulture belongs to the scavenger family of raptors, which almost never attack live prey. It measures about 100 cm in length, weighs between 7-9 kg, and can exceed 10 kg. Some individuals have lived over 50 years. With a wingspan of around 2.80 meters, they have a strong beak and their head and neck are covered only with feathers. Their legs are adapted for walking rather than grabbing prey, and their long, wide wings are essential for long-distance soaring. They glide through the sky at speeds of 40-50 km/h and can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h in a stoop.

They nest on vertical cliffs along the coast, sometimes as close as 10 meters above sea level. When a griffon vulture discovers a carcass, it begins to circle, signaling its neighbors to join. By feeding on carcasses, vultures help prevent the spread of disease among livestock, making them long-time friends of shepherds. Vultures typically raise only one chick per year, and the chick takes about five years to mature. During this period, they wander, but once mature, they return to Cres, find a mate, and build a nest

Contact

Nina & Robi Malatestinić
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Beli 2 , 51557 Beli
Cres, Croatia