- Vultures, scavengers that consume deceased animals, were previously among the most widespread birds globally, including the Indian subcontinent. In India, vultures were abundantly present until the 1980s.
- However, facing a drastic decline of over 95 percent in the vulture population from the 1990s to the mid-2000s, there arose an urgent need for conservation measures to avert the extinction of vultures.
- In response, the Government of India initiated Project Vulture in 2006 with the aim of bolstering the Indian vulture population.
- Belonging to the category of large carrion-eating birds, vultures constitute one of the 22 species predominantly inhabiting tropical and subtropical regions.
- These birds serve a crucial ecological role as nature’s cleanup crew, aiding in maintaining a clean environment by disposing of waste. Additionally, vultures contribute significantly to wildlife disease control.
- In India, there are nine vulture species, namely the Oriental white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous, and the Eurasian Griffon.
- Unfortunately, a majority of these species face the imminent threat of extinction. Among them, the Bearded, Long-billed, Slender-billed, and Oriental white-backed vultures are accorded protection under Schedule-1 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, while the remaining species are safeguarded under ‘Schedule IV’.
IUCN STATUS
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes the following vulture species based on their conservation status:
- White-rumped vulture: Critically Endangered
- Slender-billed vulture: Critically Endangered
- Long-billed vulture: Critically Endangered
- Red-headed vulture: Critically Endangered
- Egyptian vulture: Endangered
- Himalayan Griffon: Near Threatened
- Cinereous vulture: Near Threatened
- Bearded vulture: Near Threatened
- Griffon vulture: Least Concern
Furthermore, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), these vulture species are listed in Appendix II. In accordance with the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, they are placed under Schedule I, highlighting the need for enhanced protection and conservation efforts for these avian species.
THREATS
Diclofenac Poisoning: The use of diclofenac, a veterinary drug, can lead to poisoning in vultures when they consume carcasses of livestock treated with this medication.
- Loss of Natural Habitats: Anthropogenic activities contribute to the loss of natural habitats for vultures. Deforestation, urbanization, and habitat degradation are some factors affecting their natural living spaces.
- Food Scarcity and Contamination: Vultures face challenges related to food scarcity, and the available food sources are often contaminated. Pollution and the presence of harmful substances in their food contribute to health issues.
- Electrocution from Power Lines: Vultures are susceptible to electrocution from poorly designed or unprotected power lines. Collisions with power infrastructure pose a threat to their survival.
CONSERVATION EFFORTS
The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change recently introduced the Vulture Action Plan 2020-25, aimed at the conservation of vultures within the country. This plan focuses on minimizing the use of Diclofenac, a substance known to be harmful to vultures, thereby preventing the poisoning of their primary food source, cattle carcasses.
In 2001, a Vulture Care Centre (VCC) was established in Pinjore, Haryana, with the primary purpose of investigating the causes of vulture deaths in India. Subsequently, in 2004, the VCC underwent an upgrade to become the first Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre (VCBC) in the country.
Currently, there are nine Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centres (VCBC) in India, with three of them being directly administered by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). These centers play a crucial role in the research, conservation, and breeding efforts dedicated to the protection of vulture populations in the country.
FAQs – Vulture Species / Conservation of Indian Vulture
1. Why are vultures important in the ecosystem?
A: Vultures play a crucial ecological role as nature’s cleanup crew, aiding in maintaining a clean environment by disposing of deceased animals. They also contribute significantly to wildlife disease control.
2. How many vulture species are found in India, and what are their names?
A: India is home to nine vulture species: Oriental white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous, and the Eurasian Griffon.
3. What is the status of vulture species in terms of conservation according to IUCN?
A: The conservation status of various vulture species varies. Some are listed as Critically Endangered (e.g., White-rumped, Slender-billed, Long-billed, Red-headed), while others are categorized as Endangered, Near Threatened, or Least Concern.
4. How are vultures protected under Indian wildlife laws?
A: The Bearded, Long-billed, Slender-billed, and Oriental white-backed vultures are accorded protection under Schedule-1 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The remaining species are safeguarded under ‘Schedule IV’.
5. What threats do vultures face in India?
A: Vultures face threats such as diclofenac poisoning, loss of natural habitats due to anthropogenic activities, food scarcity and contamination, and electrocution from poorly designed or unprotected power lines.
6. What is diclofenac poisoning, and how does it affect vultures?
A: Diclofenac, a veterinary drug, can lead to poisoning in vultures when they consume carcasses of livestock treated with this medication. It has been a significant factor contributing to the decline in vulture populations.
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