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Vultures in Peril: Mahamaya Forest Faces Smuggling Threat
26 Jun
Summary
- Clandestine deforestation threatens the White-rumped vulture's habitat.
- Timber smugglers are destroying ecologically rich sal forests.
- Vulture population could decline without protection efforts.
The Aranya Suraksha Samity, Assam (ASSA) has raised alarms regarding alleged clandestine deforestation within the Mahamaya Reserve Forest, a protected area under the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
This ecologically significant sal forest, located in the Rajapara range, is noted as one of western Assam's older sal forests. Crucially, it serves as the sole natural habitat for the globally endangered White-rumped vulture in the region.
ASSA has formally communicated its concerns to the BTC chief, accusing timber smugglers of actively destroying the forest. Despite ongoing conservation initiatives aimed at protecting the endangered species and its habitat, these destructive activities persist. ASSA secretary general Haricharan Das highlighted that sustained efforts over the past twenty years had successfully increased the local White-rumped vulture population from 26 to 50 individuals. However, he warned that this progress is threatened and the population could rapidly decline without adequate protection measures.
ASSA has long advocated for Mahamaya Reserve Forest to be officially designated as 'Jatayu Park.' Such a designation, they argue, would facilitate enhanced vigilance and the implementation of crucial protective measures. In light of the recent destructive incidents, ASSA urges immediate governmental action to safeguard this invaluable natural resource and its inhabitants.
