Context
A rare Red-Headed Vulture was recently spotted in Kasaragod, Kerala, drawing attention to its conservation status and efforts to protect it.
Key Facts
- Scientific Name: Sarcogyps calvus
- Common Names:
- Asian King Vulture
- Pondicherry Vulture
- Global Distribution:
- Found in Central India, parts of Southern India (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu), Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Habitat:
- Prefers open country and semi-arid regions, often near human settlements due to dependence on livestock carcasses.
- IUCN Status:
- Critically Endangered
- Reasons for Decline:
- Habitat Loss: Conversion of grasslands to agricultural land.
- Food Scarcity: Decline in livestock carcasses due to improved hygiene practices.
- Diclofenac Use: A veterinary drug toxic to vultures when consumed through carcasses.
Efforts for Conservation
Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre (UP):
- World’s first conservation and breeding center for the Red-Headed Vulture.
- Located in Uttar Pradesh.
- Focuses on captive breeding, research, and reintroducing vultures into the wild.
Vulture Action Plan (2020-2025):
- Aims to establish additional breeding centers across India.
- Focus on phasing out diclofenac and promoting safe alternatives like meloxicam.
- Strengthening monitoring and conservation efforts for vulture species.
Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs):
- Identified areas with reduced diclofenac contamination.
- Located in several states like Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Assam.
Awareness Campaigns:
- Educating local communities and veterinarians about the harmful effects of diclofenac.
Ban on Diclofenac (2006):
- Multi-dose vials of diclofenac banned for veterinary use in India to reduce vulture mortality.
Significance of Vultures
- Ecosystem Role:
- Scavengers that prevent the spread of diseases by consuming animal carcasses.
- Cultural Importance:
- Integral to Parsi rituals, such as the “Towers of Silence.”
- Economic Benefits:
- Reduce costs associated with carcass disposal.
Challenges in Conservation
- Enforcement Issues:
- Widespread availability of diclofenac despite the ban.
- Habitat Loss:
- Urbanization and agricultural expansion reduce nesting and foraging areas.
- Community Resistance:
- Reluctance to switch to safer drugs like meloxicam due to higher costs.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Monitoring:
- Regular surveys and tracking of vulture populations.
- Expand Vulture Safe Zones:
- Establish more VSZs and ensure proper regulation in these areas.
- Promote Alternative Drugs:
- Subsidize safer alternatives to diclofenac like meloxicam.
- Research and Advocacy:
- Invest in research on vulture ecology and raise public awareness about their importance.
India’s focused efforts on vulture conservation, including the Red-Headed Vulture, serve as a global model for saving critically endangered species.