Contributing to conservation of Rüppell’s vulture and promoting birdwatching in the protected area of Jebel Moussa.

AMPOVIS is an association specializing in the study and conservation of migratory and sedentary birds in Morocco. Its project aims to improve the knowledge and tracking of Rüppell’s vulture, which is critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and in particular to address the growing causes of death during its migration/dispersion in northern Morocco. Alongside conservation and GPS monitoring of the species, the association is working to encourage the regular presence of these vultures and other birds of prey in the protected area of Jebel Moussa by promoting birdwatching and training ten young local guides. As Jebel Moussa is an area popular with national and international tourism, involving young people will facilitate local development and growing awareness of the ecological, social and cultural benefits of conservation.

Anticipated results

• Launching a study on the migration/dispersion phenology of Rüppell’s vulture in the Western Mediterranean
• Training ten young local guides within the protected area of Jebel Moussa
• Creating a network hosting and promoting birdwatching in the protected area of Jebel Moussa

This project is implemented under the third phase of the Small Initiatives Program for Civil Society Organizations in North Africa (PPI OSCAN), funded by the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM), the MAVA Foundation, and the Sigrid Rausing Trust. The subsidized projects aim at the conservation of species and ecosystems with remarkable biodiversity and at enhancing the benefits of conservation and sustainable livelihoods. To learn more about the PPI OSCAN 3 projects: 5. Projects – MUBADARAT (mubadarat-uicn.org)