Overview
Volunteer to help reintegrate bearded vultures in Spain

In the region of Andalusia, near to the historical city of Granada and the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada, is the ‘Parque Natural de las Sierras’, Spain’s largest natural park and, twenty years ago, an area where the breathtaking bearded vulture became extinct. Volunteer in Spain with GVI, and be a part of the effort to reintroduce the ‘Bonebreaker’ bird to southern Spain.

As well as monitoring the vultures and helping with scientific research, your voluntary work will also consist of communicating with locals and visitors and aiding in identifying and controlling threats to the wildlife and habitat. There will be the chance to enjoy the man-made and the natural highlights of the region, and Spanish lessons are also included, along with a donation to the project.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

Rural Andalucia is breathtaking, and getting so close to these amazing creatures left me in awe every single day

Chuck Benson, 2007 Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Monitoring the bearded vulture (alongside other species) is vital to preserving this Spanish wilderness. Educating locals and tourists helps to preserve these endangered species and provides a collective voice and information to fight against further development of the area. Advertising the plight of these carrion birds highlights other issues vital to the conservation of the area and, by helping this NGO, we are also re-educating local hunters and the electricity companies (who are responsible for a great number of vulture deaths each year), as well as providing vital education to the younger generation.

Highlights

Living and working in a beautiful wild spot of southern Spain exploring the stunning natural area, visiting local ancient towns, cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites steeped in Moorish and Christian history, and immersing yourself in the vibrant Spanish culture; having the opportunity to see and make a lasting one-off contribution to the preservation of these majestic endangered birds, learning about their breeding and conservation alongside dedicated scientists and environmentalists; and becoming involved with locals of all ages to find a sustainable way to preserve these species as well as their livelihoods.

Location

In Spain’s largest Natural Park, Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas in Andalusia, southern Spain, largely based in Cazorla.

Field Conditions

You will live in comfortable, shared accommodation in Cazorla, a small town on the outskirts of the Natural Park. You will be housed in a hostel with full board and a light lunch provided during the weeks you spend in the information or breeding centre. In the field whilst tracking the birds (called hacking), you will share a country house (with running water and showers available) with the team, sharing cleaning and cooking duties. While you are working at the breeding centre you will either stay at the staff house there or commute between the hostel in Cazorla and the centre. During the summer months, the temperatures are extremely high and you will need a lot of protection from the sun. However, the weather in the mountains can change very suddenly, so be prepared for all weathers.