What Initiatives is Kaziranga National Park Taking for Vulture Conservation?
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Synopsis
Kaziranga National Park is leading significant vulture conservation efforts with support from various organizations. As vulture populations begin to recover from a historical decline, community involvement and educational initiatives are crucial for their survival. Discover how these efforts are shaping the future of vultures in India.
Key Takeaways
- Kaziranga National Park is a vital site for vulture conservation.
- Community involvement is essential for the survival of vultures.
- Awareness programs engage youth in conservation efforts.
- Captive-bred vultures are being prepared for release into the wild.
- Vulture populations are slowly recovering due to conservation strategies.
Guwahati, Sep 7 (NationPress) The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), recognized as India’s seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site, has launched numerous initiatives aimed at vulture conservation, an official reported on Sunday.
KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh stated that with both technical and financial assistance from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and collaborative agencies, approximately 800 vultures are currently being sheltered across eight conservation breeding centers throughout the nation. The Centre, along with the Assam government and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), is contemplating the release of captive-bred vultures into the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, with the planning and processes for this initiative already underway, Ghosh confirmed.
Ghosh mentioned that once the necessary permissions from the CZA are secured, there are plans to release 30 white-rumped vultures and five slender-billed vultures from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre, located in Rani, Assam’s Kamrup district, into the Nagshankar range, under the sixth addition to Kaziranga National Park. The aviary at this soft-release site is currently under construction, and community awareness activities are being actively conducted, she noted.
According to the official, the vulture population in India is gradually rebounding from the significant decline observed since the mid-1990s, a decline primarily caused by the unintentional poisoning linked to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac.
The KNPTR Director, however, indicated that the veterinary application of diclofenac has been prohibited in India, while other vulture-toxic NSAIDs like Aceclofenac, Nimesulfide, and Ketoprofen are still available in South Asia. Through the comprehensive strategy outlined in the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation in India, 2020-2025, along with proactive involvement from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), the Assam Forest Department, and the BNHS, significant breeding success has been noted for three critically endangered vulture species: the white-rumped vulture, the long-billed vulture, and the slender-billed vulture.
On the occasion of International Vulture Awareness Day, KNPTR organized a Vulture Awareness Talk at their Kaziranga office in Bokakhat. The event saw participation from 35 students from J.D.S.G. College and C.N.B. College, Bokakhat, who actively engaged in discussions. The session was also streamed live on the official Facebook page of Kaziranga National Park, allowing a broader audience to join in and enhance awareness about vulture conservation.
The gathering featured Gitartha Borah, a biologist from BNHS, who delivered an engaging talk on the ecological significance of vultures, their rapid population decline due to threats like diclofenac poisoning, and the ongoing conservation measures in Assam and India aimed at revitalizing these endangered species. The event highlighted the essential role of vultures as nature’s cleanup crew, crucial for maintaining ecological balance and public health.
Students engaged with the resource person by asking questions regarding vulture breeding, habitat conservation, and the importance of safe zones such as the Vulture Safe Zone initiative in Assam. This program aimed to create awareness among the youth, fostering a sense of responsibility and collective action towards vulture conservation.
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, along with its surrounding landscape, remains a vital sanctuary for vulture populations in India, and community involvement is essential for their continued survival, Ghosh emphasized.
Point of View
The ongoing vulture conservation initiatives at Kaziranga National Park exemplify a commitment to ecological balance and biodiversity. The collaborative efforts between governmental bodies and local communities highlight the importance of fostering awareness and responsibility in conservation practices.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are vultures important to the ecosystem?
Vultures play a critical role as nature's cleanup crew, helping to maintain ecological balance by consuming carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases.
What are the main threats to vulture populations?
The primary threats include poisoning from veterinary drugs like diclofenac, habitat loss, and food scarcity due to changes in livestock management.
How is Kaziranga National Park contributing to vulture conservation?
Kaziranga National Park is actively involved in breeding programs, community awareness initiatives, and planning the release of captive-bred vultures to restore their populations.
What can individuals do to help vultures?
Individuals can raise awareness, support conservation efforts, and promote policies that protect vultures and their habitats.
Is vulture conservation a community effort?
Yes, community involvement is crucial for the success of vulture conservation initiatives, as local support can enhance habitat protection and awareness.
