The Lozère region, and in particular the Gorges du Tarn et de la Jonte, is home to several species of vulture: the griffon vulture, the black vulture, the Egyptian vulture and the bearded vulture. This scavenger suffers from many prejudices due to its necrophagous nature: attacker of livestock, bad omen, spreader of disease… This aspect of the animal is totally at odds with the feelings of Asian and American civilizations who, in the past, honored these birds for their majestic build and their sense of purifying the spirit.
Griffon Vulture - Gorges du Tarn et de La JonteGriffon Vulture - Gorges du Tarn et de La Jonte
DiscoverThe vulturesBirds of prey in the Gorges du Tarn et de la Jonte
All about
The vultures
Vulture in the Gorges du Tarn about to land.Vulture in the Gorges du Tarn about to land.|
Corniche hike with vulture watching.Corniche hike with vulture watching.|
Black vultures in flight in the Gorges du Tarn et de la Jonte. One of Europe's largest birds of prey.Black vultures in flight in the Gorges du Tarn et de la Jonte. One of Europe's largest birds of prey.
Vultures and their nests, Gorges du Tarn.Vultures and their nests, Gorges du Tarn.|
Griffon vulture landing on a rock.Griffon vulture landing on a rock. Gorges du Tarn.|
griffon vultures - Gorges du Tarn et de la Jontegriffon vultures - Gorges du Tarn et de la Jonte|
DID YOU KNOW?
You can easily spot vultures in the Gorges du Tarn, on the Causse de Sauveterre or the Causse Méjean from the various panoramic v antage points or, with a bit of luck, while you’re out and about! But if you’d like to find out more about vultures, visit the Maison des vautours in the Gorges de la Jonte.
The return of the vultures
In the Gorges du TarnFollowing the extinction of vultures in the Gorges du Tarn in the 19th century, the natural biotope underwent environmentally damaging changes. In the 20th century, this slowed down the food chain and the development of the species, leading to the reintroduction of these birds. Several pairs of griffon vultures took up residence in the Gorges de la Jonte and since then, campaigns have been carried out in 1994 and 1998. Today, we count over 800 pairs of griffon vultures, the species that adapts best to the territory. For the other three, acclimatization has been achieved, but is more complicated.
Vultures are protected animals that must not be disturbed in their natural habitat. Hunting them is obviously forbidden, on pain of severe punishment.
- Where can you see vultures in the Gorges du Tarn?
Top spots: the Point sublime, the Panorama du Roc des Hourtous… and the Maison des vautours…
- What are the different types of vulture?
Griffon vultures, black vultures, Egyptian vultures, bearded vultures…
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