INTRODUCTION

Νo other group of animals is as closely associated in our minds with agroforestry landscapes as birds of prey, particularly large vultures and iconic eagles. And this is no coincidence in evolutionary terms, since such landscapes (natural or man-made) in Europe attract the largest variety of raptor species on the planet, especially in spring and summer. Especially regarding vultures, which in the recent past were the most numerous group of birds of prey worldwide, Europe is currently considered as the region witnessing their fastest recovery, even though most vulture species around the world are still threatened with extinction.

European vultures, as they are inextricably linked to extensive livestock farming, are the most typical species of agroforestry landscapes

Moreover, although most large birds of prey nest in trees, they need a mosaic of "open" areas to locate their prey, in such variety and abundance as to be sufficient to maintain robust populations, either in the nesting or in the wintering area. This is also the reason why many European birds of prey from agroforestry landscapes migrate to the savannahs of Africa.