This is a unique decision in France and one which risks being attacked by environmental protection associations. As part of the cohabitation between griffon vultures and breeders in Aveyron, experimental scaring measures have been decided by the prefecture of Aveyron.
170 reports from breeders since 2020
One way to respond to breeders' concerns about vulture attacks on livestock. Attacks that the authorities call “interactions”. The State has counted since 2020, more 170 reports of interactions between griffon vultures and cattle particularly in the Lévezou and Aubrac sectors.
The first “attacks”, mainly on calves during birth in the fields, took place in 2020. At this time, a departmental committee “griffon vultures and breeding” was created to bring together the LPO (the League for the Protection of Birds, responsible for the reintroduction of vultures) and agricultural organizations. From 2021, the State has put in place several support systems for the breeders concerned (7-day-a-week assistance number, veterinary expertise, mediator).
Scaring as an exception
But therefore, from now on, the Aveyron prefecture is reaching a new, unprecedented level which has surprised the LPO. To prevent interactions around livestock buildings and in pastures where cattle are present, scaring measures will be put in place as an exception. These measures received a favorable opinion from the Regional Scientific Council for Natural Heritage (CSRPN) of Occitanie. They aim to keep griffon vultures away by firing non-lethal munitions (blank bullets) aimed at causing them to take flight without harming their conservation status.
These actions, strictly supervised, will take place in around a hundred municipalities. Any intervention must be authorized by the Prefect and his services, and only people who have followed specific training provided by the French Biodiversity Office (OFB) and the Departmental Territorial Directorate (DDT) will be authorized to carry out these scare shots. Farmers believe that this training should begin very quickly. Several breeders have already volunteered to participate in these training courses.
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