Students Become Wildlife Detectives in Griffon Vulture Investigation

Students in Cyprus are stepping into the shoes of wildlife detectives as part of a new educational programme centred on the endangered Griffon Vulture. This initiative allows secondary school students to engage in a hands-on investigation of environmental crime, fostering both awareness and appreciation for wildlife conservation.

Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

Launched by BirdLife Cyprus in collaboration with the Education Unit for Environment and Sustainable Development of the Ministry of Education, the programme is delivered through the Akrotiri Community Environmental Education Centre. The initiative, titled “On the brink of extinction – vultures in Cyprus,” aims to educate students about the critical situation facing the Griffon Vulture, a species that teeters on the edge of extinction.

Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

During the programme, students are transported to a simulated crime scene where a Griffon Vulture has been found dead. Each participant takes on the role of an environmental crime investigator, tasked with uncovering the causes and circumstances surrounding the vulture’s demise. This immersive experience serves to highlight the importance of each individual bird in the survival of the species.

The programme is a component of the Darwin Local Plus project, “Saving the Griffon Vulture from extinction in SBAs and Cyprus.” It encourages collaboration, observational skills, and critical thinking, employing interactive methods to engage students in the urgent need for wildlife protection.

Through this initiative, students not only learn about the threats faced by the Griffon Vulture but also about broader issues of environmental conservation. They explore various factors that impact wildlife, such as habitat loss and illegal hunting, while developing skills that are essential for future environmental stewardship.

Schools interested in participating must register through the Pedagogical Institute’s electronic platform. For more information, educators can contact the Akrotiri Environmental Education Centre at 25826562.