site.btaOn International Bird Day, Ecologist Highlights Bird Poisoning as Major Issue in Bulgaria

Bird poisoning in Bulgaria is a major problem because it poses a serious risk, especially to populations of endangered species such as the Egyptian vulture and the cinereous vulture, Dimitar Gradinarov of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) told BTA in connection with recent cases of birds of prey killed by poisoning. On the occasion of International Bird Day, observed every year on April 1, the environmentalist expressed hope that the issue will gain greater visibility and that awareness of the problem will increase.

In 2026, seven cinereous vultures and one griffon vulture have been poisoned, according to BSPB data. In 2025, three Egyptian vultures and one saker falcon died from poisoning. A year earlier, seven poisoned birds were recorded, including a cinereous vulture, a raven, a white-tailed eagle, an imperial eagle and a buzzard. A few days ago, BSPB reported a new case of a poisoned cinereous vulture.

Nearly half of vulture mortality is due to secondary poisoning, Gradinarov commented. According to him, this happens when poisoned baits are placed in areas where people have conflicts with wolves, jackals or dogs. Vultures then fall victim to these baits, he explained.

The environmentalist added that other birds of prey, such as the saker falcon, are also at risk. Even the loss of a single bird is significant, as considerable efforts are invested in conserving this species, Gradinarov noted. Experts warn that a single poisoned bait can wipe out entire colonies, putting conservation efforts at serious risk, he added.

There are specialized teams in Bulgaria working to combat poisoning. Conservationists work with specially trained dogs - Bars and Buda - that detect poisons, with inspections focusing primarily on vultures, the BSPB expert explained. Despite the existence of a Specialized Wildlife Protection Unit within the General Directorate National Police, investigations into poisoning and bird killings are difficult, Gradinarov said.

Legislation is relatively good but needs improvement, as penalties for crimes against wildlife are not always effective, the expert pointed out. Broad public sensitivity and media attention are key to prevention, he added.

“Marking International Bird Day is important because it reminds us of the importance of birds. It coincides with spring and the return of birds from the south,” Gradinarov said. “The day reminds us of the significance of birds - not only as objects of observation, but also as indicators of environmental conservation,” he added.