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.

 

 

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