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04 November 2025
On 19.10.2025, in the buffer zone of PK 'Sharri' above the village of Gotovush, a member of the Ecological Association from Shtërpca found the species of bird Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) in a serious physical and health condition. The case was reported to DAPK 'Sharri' and immediately the park officials, under the care of the wildlife officer, in cooperation with the aforementioned person, provided shelter, veterinary care, and the necessary food for the bird.
From the examinations carried out, it was found that the White-headed Eagle, also known as Shkaba, was in poor physical condition as a result of the long flight and lack of food over several weeks. After health treatment, feeding, and one week of care, the White-headed Eagle was rehabilitated and in good physical and health condition, and on 24.10.2025 it was released (returned) into the wild in the mountainous area of Vërbeshtica. The release process was successful. During this activity, in addition to the officials of DAPK “Sharri” and members of the Shtërpcë Ecological Association, members of the Polish KFOR operating in the municipality of Shtërpcë also participated. The activity was also coordinated with the officials of the Environmental Protection Institute of AMMK. Main characteristics of the White-headed Eagle
The Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), also known by other names such as shkaba, vulterida, and griffon, belongs to the family Accipitridae and is the largest bird in the territory of Kosovo. The habitats of this bird are found in the Iberian and Balkan Peninsulas, in southwestern Asia, the Caucasus region, Asia Minor, and territories in northern Africa. In Kosovo, it is mainly present in the Sharr Mountains during the summer season in search of food. In the past, their numbers were larger, whereas now their number is very limited as a result of the reduction of livestock in the high mountain pastures and wild animals (wild goats, chamois, etc.) which were their main food.
The white-headed eagle is an exceptionally large bird, with a wingspan of about 3 meters, and an average weight between 7.5 and 8.5 kilograms. In rarer cases, it can reach up to 11 kg. They do not reproduce in large numbers, as the female of this bird lays one egg per year. It is interesting that white-headed eagles are faithful partners; their bonds are monogamous (with one partner) throughout their lives. They usually live up to 40 years.
The Egyptian vulture lives in mountainous areas with rocks and little vegetation, mainly in mountains, steppes, semi-deserts, and pastures. They build their nests on rocks and very rarely in tree crowns. They fly for long periods and often cover large distances. They feed mainly on carrion of wild and domestic animals, while rarely attacking live and healthy animals. In rare cases, they may attack a tired, old, or sick animal. They feed on internal organs and muscles (soft tissues). This bird plays a very important role in the food chain and is extremely valuable for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They are nature’s cleaners as they feed on dead animals. Measures for the protection of the Egyptian vulture
The survival of the white-headed vultures in Kosovo is at risk. To increase their population and ensure their permanent habitation, it is necessary to create specific reserves and continuously provide food, especially during the winter season when natural food is scarce. Additionally, a special fund should be established for the rehabilitation of sick and injured animals, as was the case with the white-headed vulture in the Gotovushë area, which was successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild under the management and supervision of the nature experts of DAPK 'Sharri.'
The possibility of cooperation with specialized centers for this type of bird should also be considered in order to benefit from the best practices in housing, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and release (return) into the wild of birds of prey that are injured or harmed in any way.