Wild life: Vulture conservation project proposed in Bihar
New Delhi: Bihar’s forest department has proposed to set up a vulture conservation centre within the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), in Champaran district, along the lines of the Jim Corbett Park of Uttarakhand.
Spotting the nesting vultures in Madanpur, Gonauli, Harnatand, and Bhikhnathori reserve areas, the forest department of Bihar said it will provide a conducive environment for the growth and conservation of these birds.
Field Director of VTR and Wildlife conservator HK Rai said, “We are planning a recovery programme for the Himalayan Griffon vulture and its habitats, among other dwindled species of vultures. If approved, the proposal may cost Rs. 57.15 lakhs to implement.”
About the diminishing numbers of vultures in Asia due to the consumption of anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac, he said, “Though the drug is now banned, we still need to educate the villagers about the importance of vulture species in our environment.”
The first Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre was established in Pinjore, Haryana, in September 2001 by the Bombay Natural History Society in collaboration with the Haryana Forest Department.
It is necessary to conserve vultures as these birds control the spread of harmful diseases and prevent water resources from contamination.
The government action plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025 includes measures like enhancing conservation, breeding programmes, monitoring populations, and setting up more rescue centres.
Meanwhile, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed four critically endangered Indian vulture species under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. These four out of nine species include the white-rumped, red-headed, slender-billed, and the Indian long-billed vultures.
Other endangered species include the Eurasian Griffon, Himalayan Griffon, Cinereous Vulture, Bearded Vulture, and the Egyptian Vulture.
(Avya Mathur)
