Table of contents:
- About Vulture
- Importance of Vultures in Ecosystem
- Vulture conservation project of India
- Describe the Vulture Conservation Project of the Uttar Pradesh Government.
About vulture:
Vulture is large birds that eat dead and rotten animals and play an important role in keeping the ecosystem clean. They are known for their specific food habits, mainly for consuming dead animals.
Vultures have special adaptations that allow them to digest rotten meat and tolerate bacteria from rotting that are harmful to most other animals. These adaptations are amazing of strong acids present in their stomach that neutralize dangerous pathogens.
Except for Antarctica and Australia, vultures are found on every continent. There are two main types of vultures: the new-world vulture and the old-world vulture. The vultures of the new world are found in America, while the old world vultures live in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
These birds have a deep sense of excellent vision and smell, which helps them to detect Carians (dead animals) from high altitudes. They often gather in groups in bodies and help prevent the spread of diseases by consuming the remains of the dead animal.
Unfortunately, many vulture populations are facing significant threats, such as loss of habitat, poison from chemicals such as pesticides and Diclofenac pain killer, and collision with man-made structures such as lightning lines. According to estimates, in 1990, India had about 4 crore population, however, they are now less than 60000. Therefore, conservation efforts of vultures are important to protect the ecological services provided by them.
Importance of Vultures in Ecosystem:
Vultures play a crucial role in ecosystems for clean-up. They help control the disease by scavenging and consuming dead animals, which reduces the spread of pathogens and prevents the accumulation of decaying animal matter.
Vultures' feeding habits also help recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem, contributing to the nutrient cycle.
The decline in vulture populations could lead to negative ecological consequences, emphasizing their importance in maintaining a healthy and balanced environment.
Vulture conservation project of India:
India has been actively engaged in vulture conservation due to the alarming decline of vulture populations, largely caused by the use of diclofenac. Diclofenac is an animal drug that were used to treat animals. Vultures die from kidney failure after eating diclofenac-contaminated dead animals.
One of the notable conservation projects in India is the "Saving Asia's Vultures from Extinction" (SAVE) program. This project aimed to start releasing captive-breeding Vulture birds into the wild by 2016, and creating drug-free "safe zones".
This initiative involves several organizations and government bodies and focuses on the conservation of critically endangered vulture species, primarily the Indian Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, and Slender-billed Vulture. Asian king vulture is critically endangered and protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
The following are key aspects of India's vulture conservation efforts include:
Banning of Diclofenac:
India has banned the veterinary use of diclofenac, which was a major contributor to vulture declines. This step was critical in preventing further vulture poisoning.
Vulture Safe Zones:
Establishing safe zones where cattle carcasses are checked for diclofenac residues before being made available to vultures. This ensures that the birds are not exposed to the harmful drug.
Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centers:
Several centers across India are dedicated to breeding vultures in captivity. There are more than 9 vulture breeding centers located in India mainly in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The "Jatayu and Sparrow Conservation Breeding Centre (JCBC)", is the world's largest facility for the breeding and conservation of Indian vultures, it is located in Pinjore, Haryana. These centers play a crucial role in raising vulture chicks and releasing them into the wild once they are ready.
Awareness and Research:
Educational programs and awareness campaigns are conducted to highlight the importance of vultures in ecosystems and promote their conservation. Research efforts focus on understanding vulture behavior, nesting patterns, and movements.
Collaboration:
Collaboration between government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations ( NGOs), and international organizations is crucial for the success of vulture conservation efforts.
The SAVE program and similar initiatives have shown promising results in stabilizing vulture populations, but continued efforts are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of these ecologically important birds.
Question.
Describe the Vulture Conservation Project of the Uttar Pradesh Government.
( UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-II/GS-2 2019)
Answer.
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government launched the "Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre" project as part of its efforts to protect and revive the vulture population in the state. This project was implemented to address the severe decline in vulture populations, primarily the reduction of vulture death caused by the widespread use of a veterinary drug called diclofenac.
The following are key features of the Vulture Conservation Project in Uttar Pradesh:
Conservation Breeding Centre:
The project established a dedicated Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre to facilitate the breeding and conservation of vultures. Uttar Pradesh has set up a state-of-the-art Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Center (JCBC) in the Maharajganj district which is spread over 1.5 hectares, it is the first of its kind in the world.
Identification and Rehabilitation:
The project includes efforts to identify and rescue injured, sick, or orphaned vultures found in the state. These vultures are rehabilitated at the conservation center to ensure their survival and subsequent release into the wild if possible.
Research and Monitoring:
The project involves extensive research and monitoring of vulture populations in Uttar Pradesh. This helps in understanding their behavior, and movement patterns, and identifying potential threats they face.
Vulture Safe Zones:
The Uttar Pradesh ( UP) government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, identifies and designates "Vulture Safe Zones" in suitable habitats. These zones are areas where the use of diclofenac and other harmful substances to vultures is minimized or eliminated.
Awareness and Education:
The project also focuses on raising awareness about the importance of vultures in the ecosystem and the threats they face. Educational campaigns are conducted to inform communities about the harmful effects of diclofenac on vultures and encourage the use of vulture-safe alternative drugs.
Partnerships and Collaboration:
The Uttar Pradesh government collaborates with wildlife conservation organizations, research institutions, and local communities to implement the project effectively. Partnerships ensure a collective effort toward vulture conservation.
Conservation Policies and Advocacy:
The project supports the development and implementation of conservation policies that safeguard vulture populations. It involves advocating for vulture-friendly practices and regulations.
The vulture conservation project of the Uttar Pradesh government is a significant step towards reviving the vulture populations in the state. Vultures play a crucial role in the ecosystem by scavenging carcasses, which helps in maintaining a clean environment and preventing the spread of diseases. By addressing the key threats faced by vultures and promoting conservation efforts, the Uttar Pradesh ( UP) government aims to protect these essential and endangered bird species for future generations.
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