For the ornithologist Dr. Goran Sušić it is not enough to observe and study birds. Together with his son Marin, he fights for the survival of the last griffon vultures in Croatia.
The breeding behavior of the impressive birds in this countryis a worldwide unique phenomenon: they nest on the steep cliffs above the sea, on five islands in the Kvarner bay.
Unfortunately, the griffon vultures are threatened by humans in their natural habitat because their breeding season is taking place parallel to the tourist season.
The disturbances often last throughout the whole day, and especially during the last two months of the breeding season. Tourist boats approach too close to the nesting cliffs.
但不幸的是,格里芬禿鷹的自然棲息地受到了人類威脅。因為它們的繁殖季節多發生在旅遊旺季。
特別是在繁殖季節的最後兩個月。旅遊船隻想方設法靠近懸崖邊,讓遊客觀察它們如何築巢。
As a result, the chicks lose weight and are dangerously weakened. Sometimes it happens that a young griffon vulture falls into the sea because of the disturbances.
雛鳥覺得受到威脅而四處亂串,有時會還會發生已經會飛的小禿鷹墜海事件。
Even if the bird is able to reach the rocks, it is impossible for him to take off from this low position.
就算大難不死爬回岩石上,但在低窪處禿鷹根本無法起飛。擱淺的禿鷹如果不救援,面臨的將是死亡。
Marin has to balance on slippery and sharp rocks to reach the bird.
Each year, an average of six to ten griffon vultures have to be rescued. This year, nine birds have been rescued so far.
每年大概有6到10只禿鷹,被這對父子從鬼門關上獲回來。
"To release the rescued griffon vultures after almost one year of rehab is worth the effort and it makes me feel very happy," says Marin with a smile.
馬林笑著說:“釋放獲救康復後的禿鷹,是最讓我開心得一件事。”
Another important focus of theirs, is educational work at the visitor center.
而他們的另一個重要工作,就是為遊客宣傳格里芬禿鷹知識。
"Our aim is to bring children closer to nature" says Dr. Sušić. "Our school teaches them about the importance of the diversity of the species and their conservation."
To see how successful their work is, take a closer look into the book of impressions. It's full of positive feedback from the visitors:
Unfortunately Goran and Marin do not receive enough financial support for their important work and spend even their private money to keep the project alive.