India is a country of diverse flora and fauna, home to a unique variety of avian wildlife including nine species of vultures. These birds play a significant role in the ecosystem, but unfortunately, they are on the brink of extinction. This article discusses the reasons for their decline, conservation efforts in place, and the path forward to ensure their survival.
Vulture Species in India and Their Conservation Status
In India, there are nine species of vultures, each with a different status as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). These species are the White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, Himalayan Griffon, King Vulture, Bearded Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, and the Red-headed Vulture. The IUCN categorises several of these vultures as Critically Endangered.
Efforts to Conserve Vultures: Introduction to Vulture Care Centres
The sharp decline in the vulture population resulted in the establishment of a Vulture Care Centre (VCC) in Pinjore, Haryana, in 2001. By 2004, the VCC was upgraded to a full-fledged Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre (VCBC), the first of its kind in India. Today, nine VCBCs are functioning across the nation, with three directly under the administration of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). The primary goal of these centres is the care, breeding, and eventual release of vultures into the wild.
Concerned Species and Their Conservation
India’s vulture conservation program predominantly focuses on three species listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. They are the White-backed Vulture, the Slender-billed Vulture, and the Long-billed Vulture. The Conservation initiatives are directed towards ensuring the survival and reproduction of these species.
Major Contributors to Vulture Decline
The leading cause of the drastic reduction in vulture population is the veterinary drug Diclofenac, used for treating inflammation in cattle. The drug, found in the carcasses that vultures feed on, leads to kidney failure in these birds due to bioaccumulation. In 2008, the use of Diclofenac in veterinary practice was banned by the Indian Government.
| Vulture Species | IUCN Status |
|---|---|
| White-backed Vulture | Critically Endangered |
| Slender-billed Vulture | Critically Endangered |
| Long-billed Vulture | Critically Endangered |
Impact of Carcase Management Practices
Mismanagement of animal carcasses also contributes to the decline of the vulture population. Poached and poisoned carcasses are often dumped openly, posing a lethal threat to vultures who feed on them. Additionally, the common practice of cremating dead animals denies vultures their primary source of food, leading to death by starvation.
The Path Forward: Creating Awareness and Safe Habitats
Preserving vulture populations necessitates immediate intervention from the Forest Department and other relevant bodies. They need to create awareness about the importance of vultures in the ecosystem, discourage the use of harmful substances, and establish safe feeding zones for vultures. Up to now, nine states have initiated programs to create safe habitats for vultures. Considering vultures’ slow breeding rate, these efforts are vital to prevent their extinction.
