Vulture conservation in Valmiki Tiger Reserve

In news

Following the recent sighting of 150 vultures in Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), officials have started planning for conservation of vultures.

Key points

• According to forest officials, Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Himalayan griffon (Gyps himalayensis) were among the 150 individuals spotted in VTR.
• About 75-80 vultures, the highest number, were spotted at the Ganauli range, followed by Madanpur and others.
• The proposed plan for vulture conservation had been sent to the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH). 
• After approval from IDWH, a formal vulture conservation programme will begin in all five ranges of VTR.
• As per the plan, a rescue centre for vultures will be set up in the Ganauli range.  
• Besides, the local community, living in nearby villages, will be made aware about the conservation of vultures. A campaign will be launched through street meetings, seminars at villages and other means.
• The state government has been planning to create a diclofenac-free zone for conservation of vultures in areas bordering Nepal. The current plan is a major step in this direction. 
• Vultures from the Himalayan range visit areas in Bihar bordering Nepal during winters.
• However, vultures in Bihar are very difficult to spot today, unlike till early 2000. Like elsewhere, vultures used to play a vital role in the state by consuming animal carcasses before they decomposed or raised a stink.

Diclofenac behind declining population

• Diclofenac was introduced as an anti-inflammatory medicine for livestock, and vultures became its victims. 
• Vultures died after consuming the flesh of animals that were administered diclofenac.
• It resulted in a drastic decline of the vulture population.

Conservation status of Vultures In India

• Critically endangered –White-Rumped Vulture, White-Backed Vulture, Ruppell’s Vulture, Indian Vulture, Slender-Billed Vulture
• Endangered –Cape Vulture
• Near Threatened – Himalayan Vulture
• Least Concern – Griffon Vulture
• India’s conservation efforts are focussed on the three species of vultures which are
• Critically Endangered – White-backed Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, and Long-billed Vulture

Extra Reading: https://journalsofindia.com/vulture-action-plan-2020-25/