Overview
Volunteer with Bearded Vultures in Andalusia, Spain

Volunteer in Spain and help with the battle to save the reintroduced bearded vulture population in Andalusia. Also known as ‘Quebrantahuesos’ or ‘Bone breakers’, these majestic birds look and fly like eagles yet were extinct in Andalusia just twenty years ago, making it extremely important that they are successfully reintegrated into the region. On this project you will not only monitor the birds but will also help with scientific research, learn about endangered species and help with other conservation work, such as controlling threats to wildlife.

With the historical city of Granada and the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada nearby, there are plenty of other things to do during your stay in Andalusia (a region famed for its food and its wine).

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

What a joy to get so close to the wildlife in this rugged part of Spain and to make a personal difference to the environment.

Jennifer Andrews, 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.