Red-Headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus): Overview and Conservation

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

1. Scientific Name: Sarcogyps calvus
2. Common Names:
   • Asian King Vulture
   • Pondicherry Vulture
3. Global Distribution:
   • Found in Central India, parts of Southern India (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu), Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
4. Habitat:
   • Prefers open country and semi-arid regions, often near human settlements due to dependence on livestock carcasses.
5. IUCN Status:
   • Critically Endangered
6. 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

1. Ecosystem Role:
   • Scavengers that prevent the spread of diseases by consuming animal carcasses.
2. Cultural Importance:
   • Integral to Parsi rituals, such as the “Towers of Silence.”
3. Economic Benefits:
   • Reduce costs associated with carcass disposal.

 

Challenges in Conservation

1. Enforcement Issues:
   • Widespread availability of diclofenac despite the ban.
2. Habitat Loss:
   • Urbanization and agricultural expansion reduce nesting and foraging areas.
3. Community Resistance:
   • Reluctance to switch to safer drugs like meloxicam due to higher costs.

 

Way Forward

1. Strengthen Monitoring:
   • Regular surveys and tracking of vulture populations.
2. Expand Vulture Safe Zones:
   • Establish more VSZs and ensure proper regulation in these areas.
3. Promote Alternative Drugs:
   • Subsidize safer alternatives to diclofenac like meloxicam.
4. 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.