Recently  Assam-based foundation working on vulture conservation has developed a portal – reportedly the first of its kind in India  

India’s First Vulture Conservation Portal – Assam

• Objective: To monitor and conserve vulture populations in India, which are critically endangered.
• Purpose:
  • Population Monitoring: Track the status and distribution of vulture species across India.
  • Data Collection: Record sightings, breeding data, mortality causes, and habitat information.
  • Research and Conservation: Support scientific research on vultures. Aid in policy-making and conservation planning.
  • Community Awareness: Create awareness about vulture conservation and reduce threats from poisoning and habitat loss.

Vultures in India

• About: Vultures are carrion-eating birds that clean the environment by consuming carcasses and help control wildlife diseases.
• Species in India: India hosts 9 species, including Oriental White-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous, and Eurasian Griffon.
• Conservation Status: Most species are facing extinction, making them critically important for ecological balance and biodiversity.
• Legal Protection: Bearded, Long-billed, Slender-billed, and Oriental White-backed vultures are under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; the rest fall under Schedule IV.
• Ecological Significance: Vultures act as natural scavengers, maintain environmental cleanliness, and prevent the spread of diseases in wildlife and livestock.

Causes of Decline of Vulture Population in India

• Diclofenac Poisoning: The widespread use of the veterinary drug diclofenac in livestock caused kidney failure in vultures feeding on carcasses. This drug was commonly used to treat cattle, and its presence in carcasses proved lethal to vultures, leading to massive population decline.
• Secondary Poisoning: Vultures are also affected by secondary poisoning from carcasses contaminated with pesticides or other toxic chemicals. Consumption of such poisoned carcasses further contributed to their declining numbers.
• Habitat Loss: Urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural expansion have destroyed natural habitats. Loss of nesting sites, roosting areas, and food sources reduces the availability of suitable habitats for vultures.
• Collisions with Infrastructure: Vultures are susceptible to collisions with power lines, wind turbines, and buildings. Such accidents often result in injuries or fatalities, further reducing populations.
• Poaching and Hunting: In certain regions, vultures have been deliberately killed due to superstitions, traditional beliefs, or for illegal wildlife trade purposes.
• Lead Poisoning: Consumption of carcasses from animals hunted using lead ammunition exposes vultures to lead poisoning, which can be fatal.
• Disease Outbreaks: Diseases such as avian pox and avian flu have also contributed to population decline in affected areas.

Vulture Species in India and IUCN Status

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