In a pioneering endeavor, eight captive-bred critically endangered white-backed vultures will be let loose with tracking devices. This groundbreaking operation is a collaboration between the Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre and the Bir Shikargaha sanctuary where the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) aims to establish it as a vulture safe zone. This protected site traverses into Himachal Pradesh. If the inaugural batch of birds remains free from toxicity-related mortality for two years, a larger group of 20-25 birds will be released annually.
The First Release in South Asia
South Asia experienced its first such event when, in November 2017, the government of Nepal, along with national and international conservation organizations, set free some critically endangered white-backed vultures into the wild.
The Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre
Nestled on the fringe of the Bir Shikargaha Wildlife Sanctuary, The Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre was established back in 2001. It is the result of a joint endeavor between Haryana and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). The center’s mission is to delve into the alarming decline in the population of three critically endangered Gyps species of vultures in India.
India’s Vulture Species
India is well-known for its rich biological diversity, hosting nine distinct species of vultures. Among these, the population of three species, namely the white-backed, Long-billed, and slender-billed vultures, suffered a drastic dip of over 90 percent in the mid-1990s. The grave outcome has propelled these bird species into the “critically endangered” list.
Vultures’ Extinction: A Consequence of Diclofenac Usage
One of the primary factors driving these vultures towards extinction in South Asia was the rampant use of diclofenac, a drug used for treating cattle. Vultures that feed on the carcasses of animals treated with diclofenac typically perish due to kidney failure symptoms. In response to this serious threat, the Indian government imposed a ban on the veterinary use of diclofenac in 2006.
Some Vital Facts
| Vital Fact | Data |
|---|---|
| Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre established | 2001 |
| Number of vulture species in India | Nine |
| Percentage decline of certain vulture species in mid-1990s | Over 90% |
| Year of ban on veterinary usage of diclofenac in India | 2006 |
The Future of Vulture Conservation
The fight against the extinction of vultures in India is certainly far from over. Continued monitoring and tracking will be essential to ensure the survival and prosperity of these critically endangered birds.