Bearded Vultures soar to record highs in Swiss Alps comeback

A rare scavenger's triumph unfolds across five Swiss cantons. Could Central Switzerland soon host its first breeding pairs?

, and Administrator

2026 March 29 . 1:04 AM

1 min read

The image shows a bearded vulture perched atop a rock, with another bird in the background and... — The image shows a bearded vulture perched atop a rock, with another bird in the background and mountains in the distance. At the bottom of the image, there is some text.

Bearded Vultures soar to record highs in Swiss Alps comeback

The reintroduction of Bearded Vultures in Switzerland has hit a major milestone in 2025. A record 26 young birds successfully fledged this year, marking the highest number since the project began. Experts now see clear signs that these rare scavengers are thriving across the Alps.

Most of the new fledglings came from Graubünden, where 16 young vultures took flight. Wallis followed with seven, while Bern, Ticino, and St. Gallen each recorded one. For the first time, a breeding pair in St. Gallen raised a chick, expanding the number of cantons with active nests to five.

The growing population reflects improving conditions for Bearded Vultures in the Swiss Alps. New breeding sites continue to appear, suggesting the birds are finding suitable habitats. Experts also predict the first breeding pairs in Central Switzerland within the next few years. Despite the progress, concerns remain about the genetic diversity of the population. Annual observation days, scheduled again for this autumn, will help track the birds' spread and numbers more precisely. Since the reintroduction began, over 227 vultures have been released across the Alps, with 63 in Austria alone. Switzerland's own breeding success has included notable years, such as 2017, when 13 fledglings were recorded.

The 2025 breeding season confirms the Bearded Vulture's return to the Swiss Alps. With expanding nesting sites and rising fledgling numbers, the population appears stable. However, ongoing monitoring and genetic management will remain key to ensuring long-term survival.