Video : Vulture Conservation

vulture 

Indian white-backed and long billed vulture colonies exist in Konkan.

  • Sahyadri has undertaken vulture conservation program in Konkan region and the northern western ghats.
  • The program has been supported by CEPF.
  • In addition to CEPF support, Sahyadri needs co-sponsors for the following requirements:
    • Adopt a vulture nest by compensating the coconut grower having nest.
    • Sponsor vehicle rent including driver and fuel expenses for mobile exhibition for a trip.
    • Sponsor Dashavatari program to spread awareness during Jatayu Festival
    • Sponsor award for the village level vulture conservation competition
 

As an extension to Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra’s vulture conservation work Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund has given grant for vulture conservation efforts in Northern Western Ghats.

ATREEThe Critical Ecosystem Partnership fund

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership fund is a joint initiative of I’Agence Fracaise de Developpement, Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, the MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank. A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation.

Feeding helps to improve success in natural breeding of Vultures at Anjarla, Ratnagiri

As the vultures appear to be ugly, this species is neglected by human beings. But in fact the vultures play an important role of a clean-up crew in nature and help in keeping the surroundings clean. As such they help in preventing diseases by eating carrions. Hence this species needs to be protected and conserved. Three species of vultures namely the Oriental White-backed (Gyps bengalensis), Long-billed and Slender-billed vultures have colonies in Asian countries. All these species are declared critically endangered. Their number is catastrophically declining in our own country as well as in neighboring countries. It is said that Diclofinac is the main threat to the species. This drug is used as a pain-killer for livestock. The vultures develop kidney failure and visceral gout and die within few days after consuming the carcasses contaminated with Diclofinac. The Government of India has banned this drug but the problem of declining vulture population still remains.