The griffon vulture rescued last Sunday in the Fordongianus area, in the Grighine region, died. The animal, found in severe distress and rescued by Forestry Corps officers in Villaurbana, died in the veterinary clinic where it had been taken for treatment. Autopsies are now awaited to determine the cause of death. When found, the animal appeared severely dejected and had significant systemic problems, but no traumatic injuries were found . Veterinarian Paolo Briguglio of the Duemari clinic also explained that it was an adult specimen without a ring, indicating an animal born in Sardinia and not one of the griffons introduced to the island through repopulation programs.

The cause of death remains to be determined. Poisoning, electrocution, and other possible causes had been cited at the time of the rescue as hypotheses to be verified, but only veterinary examinations will provide an answer. This latest death further draws attention to the Grighine vulture because it comes just days after another incident involving the same species. In early October, a wild-born griffon vulture was struck and killed by a blade at the Monte Grighine wind farm. The incident was subsequently highlighted by the Vulture Conservation Foundation , a partner in the LIFE Safe for Vultures project, which confirmed the collision with the wind turbine. It is important, however, to distinguish the two cases: there is currently no evidence to attribute the death of the specimen recovered in Fordongianus to an impact with energy infrastructure .

The story takes on particular significance as work continues in Sardinia to conserve the griffon vulture. According to data released by the Vulture Conservation Foundation, the 2025 census estimated over 500 individuals and 120 breeding pairs on the island, the result of years of protection and repopulation programs. On October 1st alone, another 16 young griffon vultures were released from the Cea Romana acclimatization aviary in Villasalto, the fourth and final contingent of the LIFE Safe for Vultures project. This latest release brings the total number of animals released from the Villasalto center as part of the program to 84 .

The project, coordinated by the University of Sassari together with Forestas, the Forestry Corps, E-Distribuzione, and the Vulture Conservation Foundation, aims not only to increase the population but also to reduce the main risk factors: food shortages, poisoning, electrocution, and collisions with energy infrastructure. According to the Vulture Conservation Foundation, interaction with these infrastructures represents the main anthropogenic threat currently documented for the griffon vulture in Sardinia . Monitoring using GPS transmitters and proper land use planning are considered key tools for reducing risks in the areas most frequented by the animals. Meanwhile, the results of the investigations regarding the second death in the Grighine area are awaited. Only then will it be possible to determine what caused the bird's severe debilitation and subsequent death.

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