GPS telemetry reveals changes in the movement patterns of a cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) flying over an active war zone

Jacopo Cerri , Hristo Peshev, Cornel Cotrogea, Gradimir Gradev

Armed conflicts have devastating effects over wildlife populations and ecosystems, yet their impacts on wildlife behavior remains understudied. In this study we summarized behavioral changes that occurred in a Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) which made three flights over active war zones in Northern and Eastern Ukraine during spring 2022.
As the individual approached the frontline its movements became more directional, with step lengths increasing progressively and turning angles becoming narrower. However, this only happened during the first flight, while changes were less marked in the two subsequent flights. Conversely, flying height did not show any change in any of the three flights.
The first and third flight, when the individual moved eastward towards more disturbed areas, happened under strong Western winds. This indicates that the individual could have been displaced by wind over active war zones, which would have otherwise avoided. Once there, the individual could have maximised wind support to evade disturbance.
Our findings, although based on data from only one individual, suggest that large soaring birds might be displaced by strong winds to active war zones, at least when flying in unfamiliar environments. Then, they might adapt their movement strategy reactively, by optimizing wind support, to escape these areas.