Article:
The Himalayan Griffon Vulture is a species that recently made news due to a tragic incident in Assam, India, where some members of this breed were found dead. Suspected to be a case of poisoning, this event highlights the need for us to learn more about these magnificent birds and the threats they face. Equally crucial is understanding the various efforts currently underway to conserve their population.
About the Himalayan Griffon
The Himalayan Griffon Vulture, scientifically named Gyps himalayensis, belongs to the Accipitridae family which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards, and hawks. It bears a close relation to the European Griffon Vulture, also known as G. fulvus. The vulture is recognized by its bald white head, broad wings, short tail feathers, white neck ruff, yellow bill, and contrast between its whitish body and dark flight feathers. It is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List and primarily inhabits the Himalayas on the Tibetan plateau, as well as parts of central China, Mongolia, and occasionally northern India.
What Makes Vultures Unique?
As one of the 22 species of large carrion-eating birds present predominantly in the tropics and subtropics, vultures play a significant role as nature’s garbage collectors, cleaning up waste and controlling the spread of wildlife diseases. Out of these, India is home to nine species of vultures. Sadly, most of these species are facing the danger of extinction due to various threats.
The Threats Vultures Face
Several factors have brought many vulture species to the brink of extinction. Diclofenac poisoning, a result of using the drug to treat livestock, constitutes a major threat to their survival. Additionally, anthropogenic activities have led to loss of their natural habitats. They also face food scarcity and risk of electrocution from power lines.
Conservation Efforts in India
Recognizing the need for preservation, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) unveiled the Vulture Action Plan 2020-25. The plan targets the conservation of vultures across the nation. As part of this scheme, a Vulture Care Centre was established at Pinjore, Haryana in 2001. Upgraded in 2004, it became India’s first Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre. Today, India houses nine such centres, with three of them directly administered by the Bombay Natural History Society.
Global Conservation Efforts
The international community is also pitching in to save these bird species from extinction. A notable initiative in this regard is SAVE (Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction). This consortium comprising regional and international organizations coordinates conservation, campaigns, and fundraising activities to help vultures in South Asia.
Though the Himalayan Griffon Vulture and other species face numerous threats today, efforts are underway both locally and globally to ensure their survival. The fact that they were once common in Indian countryside underscores the need for sustained and targeted action to safeguard these invaluable members of our ecosystem.