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Source-This post is based on the article “A ‘Vulture restaurant’ in Jharkhand to conserve the ‘critically endangered’ species” published in “Financial Express” on 14th January 2024.
Why in the News?
In Jharkhand, a ‘Vulture Restaurant’ has been established in Koderma district as part of conservation efforts to conserve the diminishing vulture population.
Why has this initiative been taken?
1) Aim- The initiative aims to mitigate the negative effects of veterinary drugs, especially diclofenac, on vultures.
Note- Exposure to diclofenac-contaminated tissues leads to kidney failure in vultures.
2) It serves as a designated feeding site for the Vultures. To prevent interference from other animals, bamboo fencing has been erected around the feeding site.
3) The Jharkhand Forest Department also plans to establish a center for vulture interpretation and rescue, incorporating geo-tagging for enhanced monitoring.
About Vulture
| Specifications | Details |
| About | 1. It belongs to the category of 22 large scavenging birds, primarily inhabiting tropical and subtropical regions. 2. They are known for their role in cleaning up carrion (the flesh of dead animals). |
| Vultures in India | India is home to 9 species of Vulture namely the Oriental white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous and the Eurasian Griffon. |
| Conservation Status | 1. CITES: Appendix II 2. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: a. Schedule I- Bearded, Long-billed, Slender-billed, and Oriental white-backed vultures b. Schedule IV- Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Cinereous, Eurasian Griffon. |
| Distribution | Vultures are widely distributed, but they are absent from Australia and most oceanic islands. |
| For more information on Vultures in India Click here to read |
UPSC Syllabus- Environment
