India’s first-ever Vulture Knowledge Portal launched in Assam by We Foundation India, in collaboration with Gauhati University (Dept. of Zoology).
- Portal URL: www.thevulturenetwork.org.
- Occasion: Launched ahead of International Vulture Awareness Day (First Saturday of September).
- Objective: To build a network of researchers, NGOs, citizen scientists, and communities for vulture conservation in India.
Key Highlights
- Cloud-based knowledge portal on vultures of India.
- Provides scientific data, awareness material, downloadable outreach resources.
- Focuses on local language dissemination (starting with Assamese) to involve grassroots communities.
- Launched with participation of conservationists, scientists, academicians, and students.
- Partners: Assam Bird Monitoring Network, LASA Foundation, Suraksha Samitee, plus individual researchers.
- Issues discussed:
- Carcass poisoning.
- Harmful veterinary drugs (esp. Diclofenac).
- Negative social perceptions of vultures.
- Species highlight: Slender-billed vulture – only ~800 mature individuals left in India.
Vultures of India (9 species)
- White-rumped Vulture (Critically Endangered).
- Indian Vulture (Critically Endangered).
- Slender-billed Vulture (Critically Endangered).
- Red-headed Vulture (Critically Endangered).
- Himalayan Griffon (Near Threatened).
- Cinereous Vulture (Near Threatened).
- Eurasian Griffon (Least Concern).
- Egyptian Vulture (Endangered).
- Bearded Vulture (Near Threatened).
Ecological Role of Vultures
- Natural scavengers: Dispose of carcasses, prevent disease outbreaks.
- Their decline → rise in feral dog population → increase in rabies and zoonotic diseases.
- Critical for ecosystem health and human well-being.
Background & Threats
- India once had the largest vulture population globally.
- Population crash (1990s–2000s) due to Diclofenac, a veterinary anti-inflammatory drug toxic to vultures.
- Other threats: Electrocution, poisoning, habitat loss, negative perceptions.
- Several species now Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List).
Policy & Conservation Measures
- Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2020–2025):
- Ban on veterinary Diclofenac (2006).
- Establishment of Vulture Breeding Centres.
- Promotion of safe NSAIDs (Meloxicam, Tolfenamic acid).
- International Vulture Awareness Day: Observed annually (first Saturday of September).
- Integration of citizen science stressed by Assam Bird Monitoring Network.
Significance of Portal
- First-of-its-kind platform in India for vulture conservation.
- Promotes community participation through local languages.
- Strengthens India’s commitment under the National Action Plan (2020–25).
- Enhances scientific–social partnership for conservation.
- Supports Biodiversity & Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 15 – Life on Land).
Conservation & Wildlife in India
- Important Vulture Breeding Centres: Pinjore (Haryana), Rajabhatkhawa (WB), Rani (Assam), Buxa (WB), Hyderabad (TS).
- Protected Areas for Vultures: Gir National Park (Gujarat), Kanha NP (MP), Kaziranga NP (Assam), Panna Tiger Reserve (MP).
- Important Bird Areas (IBAs): Over 550 IBAs in India, key for vulture habitats.
Related Global & National Facts
- IUCN Red List: Maintains global conservation status of species.
- CMS (Convention on Migratory Species): India is a signatory; vultures included under migratory bird conservation.
- Assam (Location):
- Kaziranga NP – UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Manas NP – Biosphere Reserve & World Heritage Site.
Conclusion
The Vulture Knowledge Portal is a landmark initiative integrating science, awareness, and community action to protect India’s fast-vanishing vultures. It strengthens conservation at both grassroots and policy levels, ensuring that these crucial scavengers continue to safeguard ecological balance and public health.