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Vultures Roost Again: Hope Blooms in Valmiki Tiger Reserve
8 Feb
Summary
- A new vulture conservation center is being established on five acres of land.
- Critically endangered long-billed and white-rumped vultures are sighted.
- Conservation efforts target a 30-40% increase in vulture numbers in five years.
The endangered vulture population within Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) is showing promising signs of recovery, offering renewed hope for biodiversity conservation. Conservationists are establishing a dedicated Vulture Conservation Centre on five acres of land in the Gonauli forest range.
Recent sightings of critically endangered species, including the long-billed and white-rumped vultures, have been confirmed across several areas within the VTR landscape. These positive developments are attributed to sustained conservation efforts initiated in 2023-24.
The forest department's dedicated program focuses on regular monitoring, protecting nesting sites, and creating safe feeding zones. Efforts include promoting diclofenac-free veterinary practices and educating communities on safe carcass disposal.
Vultures play a vital role as 'sanitation sentinels,' consuming carrion and significantly reducing disease spread. The department has set an ambitious target to increase the vulture population by 30-40% over the next five years.
