Like the Iberian Lynx, the Black Vulture or the Imperial Eagle, the Bearded Vulture inhabited all the mountains of the Iberian Peninsula, in most of which it was eradicated throughout the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.

Organized by the FCQ, the first Seminar of the Iberian Strategy for the conservation of the Bearded Vulture in Spain and Portugal took place in Miranda do Douro (Portugal) last December 11, organized by the FCQ.

The objective of the seminar itself was to present the draft Iberian strategy for the conservation of the bearded vulture, as well as the state of knowledge on the species in Portugal and Spain. The day was attended by representatives of the Portuguese government, with Sandra Sarmento, director of the ICNF of the Northern Region of Portugal, and of Spain, with Miguel Aymerich, from MITECO. There was also representation from the Government of Aragon, where the largest population of Bearded Vulture in Europe is found, and which since 2017 has been ceding specimens for the reintroduction of the species in its former range.

Experts of the FCQ explained the former distribution area of the species in the Peninsula and its link with extensive livestock farming, which must be protected and promoted because of its valuable ecosystem services, including providing food for vultures and the reduction of the risk of wild fires. Several LIFE projects related to the Bearded Vulture were also presented, as well as the fossil findings of the species in Portugal, a presentation by Montserrat Sanz, from the University of Barcelona. During the seminar, the FCQ canine patrol made an exhibition of poisoned bait detection, chaired by Helena Barril, president of the Câmara Municipal de Miranda .