Declining vulture population

What is the issue?

With India losing more than 95% of its vulture population between 1990s and mid-2000s, the country requires urgent conservation efforts to save vultures from becoming extinct

What about the population of vultures in India?

• There are nine recorded species of vultures in India
• 4 critically endangered  and 1 endangered

Why is vulture population so significant?

• Vultures clear the carcasses of dead animals (nature’s cleanup crew) playing crucial role in maintaining health of the ecosystem
• Vultures have a highly acidic stomach that helps them kill disease-causing bacteria
• Reduces the health hazards associated with feral dogs that consume carcasses

What is the reason for the decline in vulture population?

• Use of the drug “Diclofenac” as a pain reliever in cattle results in kidney failure and death of vultures
• Myths about its medicinal healing powers results in poaching
• Quarrying and blasting of stones where vultures nest results in decline
• Power lines are killing vultures in some areas

What efforts have been taken for their conservation?

National Efforts

• India banned diclofenac for veterinary use in 2006
• Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-25  was released by MoEFCC
• Vulture Conservation Breeding Programme (VCBP) was established by Central Zoo Authority and Bombay  Natural History Society (BNHS)  for captive breeding
• Vulture Safe Zones are declared when no toxic drugs are found in undercover pharmacy and cattle carcass surveys  for two consecutive years
• The Ministry also plans on carrying out safety testing of available Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on vulture
• Vulture restaurant has been established at Phansad wildlife sanctuary near Murud in Maharashtra

International Efforts

• Saving Asia's Vultures from Extinction (SAVE) – A consortium of like-minded, regional and international organizations for conservation  of south Asia’s vultures

Nationwide vulture survey is held once in four years

Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express

Quickfacts

Vulture

• Family - Accipitridae - members include eagles, hawks and kites
• Type - Scavengers (consume dead organisms)
• Average lifespan – 10 to 30 years in the wild
• Reproduction - Slow breeders
• Communication - Vultures don’t have a voice box. They communicate via grunts and hisses
• Unlike other raptors, vultures have weak legs and claws