The recent discovery that vultures predominantly forage outside Protected Areas (PAs) presents a fresh avenue to mitigate the decline in vulture populations. This approach, involving the removal of threats like poison-laced carcasses from these areas, could help preserve this vital species.
Vulture Feeding Habits and Conservation Methods
Contrary to expectations, vultures tend to avoid regions with high livestock density, suggesting that cattle are not their primary food source. Further, these birds also steer clear of human habitation. However, this pattern isn’t uniform across geographical regions. For instance, in India, a drastic plunge in vulture populations was linked to the ingestion of diclofenac, a drug used in veterinary treatment, primarily on cattle.
Understanding the habitat selection and behavioural trends of vultures is key to their conservation. It’s crucial to identify and mitigate threats around nesting and roosting sites, while ensuring a consistent supply of food and water.
Indian Vulture Species Overview
India is home to nine of the 22 known species of vultures, large carrion-eating birds primarily found in the tropics and subtropics. These scavengers play a pivotal role in the ecosystem by functioning as nature’s waste disposal units and keeping wildlife diseases under control.
The Indian subcontinent is home to the Oriental white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous and the Eurasian Griffon vulture species. Unfortunately, most of these face the threat of extinction. Significantly, the Bearded, Long-billed, Slender-billed, and Oriental white-backed species enjoy protection under Schedule-1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, while the remaining species come under ‘Schedule IV’.
Threats to Vultures as per IUCN
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), several threats contribute to vulture population decline. Foremost among these is diclofenac poisoning, a drug used for treating livestock. The loss of natural habitats owing to human activities, scarcity and contamination of food, and electrocution by power lines are other significant factors.
Conservation Efforts in India
For safeguarding vultures, the Ministry for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change recently initiated the Vulture Action Plan 2020-25. The plan aims to curb the use of Diclofenac, thus preventing the poisoning of cattle carcasses, a significant food source for vultures.
To investigate the cause of vulture deaths in India, a Vulture Care Centre (VCC) was established in Pinjore, Haryana, in 2001. In 2004, the VCC was upgraded to the first Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre (VCBC) in India. Currently, there exist nine VCBCs in the country, three of which are managed directly by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
Notable Findings in UPSC Civil Service Examination
The UPSC Civil Services Examination highlighted that the scarcity of vultures, once common in Indian countryside, is largely attributed to a drug used by cattle owners to treat their diseased cattle. This resonates with recent research findings that underline the threat posed by diclofenac to vultures.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024