Vulture conservation in India is a crucial effort aimed at protecting and reviving the declining populations of vultures in the country. The population decline was noticed in the 1990s, and since then numerous efforts have been made to reclaim the vulture population.
Significance of Vulture Conservation | UPSC – IAS
Vultures play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance by scavenging and consuming animal carcasses, thereby preventing the spread of diseases and maintaining the cleanliness of the environment. Vultures, also known as condors, are large birds of prey with over 20 species in the world.
Reasons for Vulture Population Decline | UPSC – IAS
The vulture population decline is a significant conservation concern that has been observed in various regions around the world, including India. The primary reasons for the vulture population decline in India are as follows:
Diclofenac Poisoning: The widespread use of the veterinary drug diclofenac in livestock led to the sharp decline of vulture populations in South Asia. When vultures feed on carcasses of animals that were treated with diclofenac, they suffer from severe kidney failure and die.
Secondary Poisoning: Vultures are also affected by secondary poisoning when they consume the carcasses of animals that were poisoned by pesticides or other toxic substances.
Habitat Loss: The loss of natural habitats due to urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural expansion has negatively impacted vultures. Destruction of nesting sites, roosting areas, and food sources reduces the availability of suitable habitats for vultures.
Collisions with Buildings: Vultures are susceptible to collisions with power lines, wind turbines, and other infrastructure, leading to injuries or fatalities.
Poaching and Hunting: In some regions, vultures have been deliberately targeted and killed due to superstitions, traditional beliefs, or for use in illegal wildlife trade.
Lead Poisoning: Vultures may be exposed to lead poisoning by consuming carcasses of animals that were hunted using lead ammunition.
Disease Outbreaks: Outbreaks of diseases such as avian pox and avian flu have also had adverse effects on vulture populations.
Vulture Conservation Measures in India | UPSC – IAS
To address the vulture decline and conserve these important birds, several conservation initiatives and strategies have been implemented in India, including:
Vulture Safe Zones: Identifying and designating vulture safe zones, where the use of diclofenac and other harmful veterinary drugs is banned, to provide safe feeding areas for vultures.
Ban on Diclofenac: The government of India took measures to ban the veterinary use of diclofenac to prevent its consumption by livestock.
Vulture Conservation Breeding Centers: Establishing vulture conservation breeding centers to breed and rear vultures in captivity, releasing them back into the wild to augment wild populations.
Vulture Restaurants: Creating vulture restaurants where safe food is provided to vultures to supplement their diet and ensure their survival.
Rescue and Rehabilitation: Setting up facilities for the rescue, rehabilitation, and treatment of injured or sick vultures.
Research and Monitoring: Conducting research and monitoring programs to study vulture populations, behavior, and ecological requirements.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating and raising awareness among the public, farmers, veterinarians, and other stakeholders about the importance of vultures and the threats they face.
Collaboration: Collaborating with international organizations and experts to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices in vulture conservation.
Successes and Challenges | UPSC – IAS
As a result of these conservation efforts, there has been some success in stabilizing vulture populations in certain regions of India. The banning of diclofenac and the establishment of vulture conservation breeding centers have been particularly effective. However, continuous efforts are needed to ensure the long-term survival and recovery of vulture species.
While the conservation measures have been largely successful, there are some challenges that need to be addressed. These include the ongoing threat of habitat loss, collisions with infrastructure, and poaching. Public awareness and involvement are crucial in overcoming these challenges and ensuring the success of vulture conservation in India.
Fun Fact
The first instance of captive breeding of the Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in India was recorded at the Assam State Zoo, Guwahati. This milestone highlights the progress made in vulture conservation efforts in the country.
Vulture conservation remains a global priority to protect these valuable scavengers and the vital ecological services they provide. With continued efforts and collaborations, it is hoped that vultures will thrive once again in India’s skies.
Mutiple Choice Questions
1) Why did the vulture population decline in India?
a) Habitat loss due to urbanization and deforestation
b) Secondary poisoning from consuming carcasses of animals poisoned by pesticides
c) Collisions with buildings and infrastructure
d) All of the above
Explanation: The vulture population in India declined due to multiple reasons, including habitat loss, secondary poisoning, and collisions with buildings and infrastructure.
2) What is the primary cause of vulture population decline in South Asia?
a) Diclofenac poisoning
b) Lead poisoning
c) Disease outbreaks
d) Poaching and hunting
Explanation: The primary cause of vulture population decline in South Asia, including India, is diclofenac poisoning. When vultures feed on carcasses of animals treated with diclofenac, they suffer from severe kidney failure and die.
3) Which drug was widely used in livestock and led to vulture population decline?
a) Diclofenac
b) Ketoprofen
c) Aceclofenac
d) All of the above
Explanation: The widespread use of diclofenac in livestock caused severe kidney failure in vultures that fed on the carcasses of treated animals, leading to a decline in vulture populations in India.
4) How did habitat loss contribute to the decline of vulture populations?
a) Destruction of nesting sites and roosting areas
b) Reduction of food sources for vultures
c) Loss of suitable habitats for vultures
d) All of the above
Explanation: Habitat loss due to urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural expansion negatively impacted vultures by destroying nesting sites, roosting areas, and food sources, reducing the availability of suitable habitats for vultures.
5) Why are vultures susceptible to collisions with buildings and infrastructure?
a) Vultures have poor visibility and can’t avoid collisions
b) Buildings and infrastructure are encroaching on vulture habitats
c) Vultures are attracted to structures that resemble nesting sites
d) All of the above
Explanation: Vultures are susceptible to collisions with buildings and infrastructure due to poor visibility, encroachment on their habitats, and attraction to structures that resemble nesting sites.
6) How did diclofenac impact vultures?
a) It caused severe kidney failure in vultures
b) It contaminated animal carcasses and proved to be lethal for vultures
c) It led to a decline in vulture populations
d) All of the above
Explanation: Diclofenac caused severe kidney failure in vultures that consumed the contaminated carcasses of treated animals, resulting in a decline in vulture populations.
7) What measures have been taken to conserve vultures in India?
a) Banning diclofenac and other harmful veterinary drugs
b) Establishing vulture conservation breeding centers
c) Creating vulture safe zones
d) All of the above
Explanation: Various measures have been taken in India to conserve vultures, including banning diclofenac and other harmful veterinary drugs, establishing vulture conservation breeding centers, and creating vulture safe zones.
8) Why is vulture conservation in India a priority?
a) Vultures play a critical role in maintaining a clean environment
b) Vultures prevent the spread of diseases by scavenging on animal carcasses
c) Vulture populations have declined significantly
d) All of the above
Explanation: Vulture conservation in India is a priority because vultures play a critical role in maintaining a clean environment, preventing the spread of diseases, and their populations have declined significantly.
9) What is the status of the Himalayan vulture on the IUCN Red List?
a) Critically endangered
b) Endangered
c) Near threatened
d) Least concern
Explanation: The Himalayan vulture is categorized as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.
10) What is the goal of captive breeding programs for vultures?
a) To conserve healthy populations of vultures in captivity
b) To safeguard the genetic health of vultures
c) To release captive-bred vultures into the wild
d) All of the above
Explanation: The goal of captive breeding programs for vultures is to conserve healthy populations of vultures in captivity while safeguarding their genetic health and eventually releasing them back into the wild.
Brief Summary | UPSC – IAS
Conservation efforts are underway in India to protect and revive the declining populations of vultures, whose numbers have decreased significantly due to various reasons. The use of a veterinary drug called diclofenac, habitat loss, collisions with buildings, poaching, and disease outbreaks are some of the factors contributing to the decline. Conservation initiatives include banning diclofenac, establishing vulture conservation breeding centers, creating vulture safe zones, and raising public awareness. Recently, captive breeding of the Himalayan vulture was successfully conducted at the Assam State Zoo. Continuous efforts are needed to ensure the long-term survival of vultures and their important ecological role.
