The four release sites - situated at a distance of about 200-300 km from each other - are almost all in national parks or nature reserves. Bearded Vultures once occured at each site. Also today, virtually unchanged natural habitats and extensive cliffs provide optimal conditions for Bearded Vultures. Large populations of chamois, red deer and ibex are a particular feature of the four sites. In summer these share their habitat with flocks of sheep and goats, which graze on the alpine meadows. Avalanches during winter and abrupt changes in weather during summer are mainly responsible for abundant food resources as they kill numerous wild and domestic animals. This abandance of food apply is also of special importance for the young Bearded Vultures, as they have to learn, how to locate carrion on the ground. In all areas concerned extensive information campaigns were carried out to ensure acceptance by the local population. The young Bearded Vultures are constantly checked upon by experienced wardens, who are glad to give information about the Bearded Vultures to visitors.