"Rare" nesting of ravens sighted after 16 years

[Paphos Life]

For the first time in over 16 years, a pair of ravens has successfully nested in the government-controlled areas and specifically in the Akamas area, BirdLife Cyprus said on its Facebook page. "It is a rare event because unfortunately the species' population can be measured on ten fingers," the post said....

Read the article and chat about it below...

[kingfisher]

It is good news that the raven is now breeding in the Akamas. I suspect that, like the Griffon Vulture, which was formerly widespread, its decline was not only due to poisoning, but the decline in the use of donkeys. These lovely creatures were rewarded after a life of unending toil, when they were no longer young, by being pushed over a cliff, which meant there was a regular supply of fresh carrion in many inaccessible ravines on a regular basis.

“The raven is closely related to the vulture, as both species are scavengers and usually feed together.” states the article. In fact, the vulture and raven are not related at all, except that they are both birds. The raven is a Corvidae, or crow, and besides the big physiological differences, is vastly more intelligent than a vulture. Like other crows, it has many vocal expressions, certainly at least thirty. They also have possibly the largest breeding range of all birds.

Let us ensure that the Akamas remains undeveloped, and that there is still space for our wildlife…

Jon.

[Dominic]

Nevermore.