Fatal myth
The bearded vulture became extinct in the Alps and was lost for a long time, all because of a misconception. But following the release of birds hatched in zoos into the wild, it is now back although still endangered.
Killer of lambs and child predator this imposing bird of prey, with a wingspan of up to three metres, long suffered from a bad reputation. In game law dating from 1875, the bearded vulture was even categorized as a harmful species hunting and killing it was rewarded with a bounty. When this majestic bird then also ran out of sources of food, it became extinct in the Alps at the beginning of the 20th century.
Tragic misunderstanding
The bearded vulture’s bad image is based on a false assumption: “Although you may sometimes see it with fur in its beak, it feeds
exclusively on carrion. It actually doesn’t kill live animals,” explains Katrina Wenger, Director of Goldau Nature Reserve and Wildlife Park, which plays a leading role in breeding these animals. As a scavenger, it also has an important function: “Because it gets rid of animal remains, it ensures that pathogens don’t spread.”
Successful return to the wild
For around 100 years, the bearded vulture was lost to Switzer- land, until a project to reintroduce it in 1978 brought a turna- round: to date, 260 bearded vultures hatched in zoos and breeding centers have been released, 12 of which come from Goldau Nature Reserve and Wildlife Park. In 2024, 24 birds bred in the wild in Switzerland. There are now enough birds living in Switzerland again for the animals to survive without human help. “Because bearded vultures are not fully grown until they are five to seven years old, and because each pair raises only one of its young every year, the population reproduces very slowly. Collisions with suspended cables and wires are also a problem for the animals during the breeding season,” explains Wenger.
100th anniversary
Goldau Nature Reserve and Wildlife Park was founded in the landslide area around Goldau in 1925. It houses around 100 native and European wild animal species in near natural and animal friendly conditions. Managed scientifically, the park makes an important contribution towards species protection, nature conservation, education and research.
Designer and animal observer
Melanie Suter grew up near the park. As a child, she spent many afternoons there with her family: “We knew exactly where to go to watch the birds or entice the squirrels out.” During her visits, she learned at an early age that bearded vultures are not hunters: “There were mountain hares in the same enclosure. We were told that they’re safe from the bearded vulture because it only feeds on carrion.” Designing the stamp gave the freelance illustrator an even more detailed look at the bird: “On closer inspection, I was fascinated by its beautiful plumage it’s like a work of art.”
