A PCR method was developed employing a single primer (GACA)4 to sex Black vultures (Aegypius monachus), Lappet‐faced vultures (Torgos tracheliotus), and Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus). Using the (GACA)4 primer several PCR products were generated. One or more PCR products displayed a sex‐specific pattern, i.e. they were only present in females (probably corresponding to repetitive DNA on the W chromosome) but absent in males. The sex ratio of 85 Griffon vultures from Spain was almost 1.

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SummarySeven out of ten Black Stork chicks fitted with satellite tags successfully made the journey from Iberia to the Sahel. Four died there during their first winter and one additional bird in the second winter. Our results show that 30% of the tagged fledglings died in Iberia and 50% (5/10) in the Sahel. In the Sahel, Black Storks occupy areas of seasonal rivers and small bodies of water in these sub-Saharan savannas, where they track suitable sites according to the progressive drying of the Sahel after the summer monsoon. This behaviour may make them more susceptible to coming into contact with humans and, consequently, current and future action plans for conserving the Iberian Black Stork population should link efforts with AEWA's Strategic Plan and other international initiatives to promote the global use of water resources for humans and wildlife in the Sahel.