White-rumped vulture

Why in news?

White-rumped vulture rescued in Adyar dies of dehydration.

About White-rumped vulture:

Family: Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles)

IUCN classification on Red List Category: Critically Endangered.

ØThey are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

ØIt is also known as Gyps Bengalensis, and is one of the 9 species of Indian vulture which are identified for protection.

ØThey are medium in size and called white humped due to presence of white patch of feathers on the lower back and upper tail.

Habitat and distribution

ØThey are generally found in Indian subcontinent and the regions of south east Asia such as Thailand, Laos.

ØThey are more commonly found in the Indus valley and along the Himalayas to Assam valley.

ØThey are found in variety of landscapes including hilly regions and Plains near human settlements.

Threat

ØPrime reason for decline - Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for cattle treatment – for eg diclofenac.

ØHabitat degradation and fragmentation.

ØLoss of foraging range.

ØReduced availability of

ØInstances of electrocutions due to encounter with power lines.

Significance of vultures:

ØThey are known to be scavengers who, by eating the dead carcass -

ØKeep a check on the spread of disease like rabies, anthrax.

ØHelp in avoiding the risk of water contamination.

ØThey keep the environment clean.

ØThey help in sustainability of customs such as Towers of Silence.

Measures Taken to Conserve Vultures:

ØThe veterinary drug Diclofenac has been banned by the governments of India and Nepal.

ØMeloxicam is being promoted as an effective replacement for vultures and other scavenging birds.

ØThe Government of India has developed a National Action Plan on Vulture Conservation (2006). The Action Plan outlines strategies and actions for mitigating vulture population declines through ex-situ and in-situ vulture conservation.

ØWhite-backed, Long-billed, and Slender-billed Vultures have been moved from Schedule IV to Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972.

ØVulture Protection Zones have been created.

ØSites for Vulture Restaurants have been identified and in operation.

ØIn Panchkula, a 'Vulture Captive Care Facility' has been established.

ØState governments have been advised to establish vulture care centres in order to conserve three species of vultures.

ØCaptive breeding facilities have been established to secure healthy wild birds for breeding in captivity for conservation and future release.

ØRegular awareness raising activities are organised for various groups such as veterinarians, pharmacists, school children, government agencies, conservation partners, and local communities.

India’s Role in Conservation of vulture

ØIn 2004, India introduced a motion in the IUCN for vulture conservation, which was accepted in the form of an IUCN resolution.

ØIt called on Gyps vulture range countries to take action to prevent all uses of diclofenac in veterinary applications.

ØIt also called for the establishment of an IUCN South Asian Task Force under the auspices of the IUCN and range countries to develop and implement national vulture recovery plans, including conservation breeding and release.

Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (APVC) in India (2020-2025)

ØThe Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (APVC) in India, 2020-2025, is a critical requirement for the country's vulture conservation.

ØWith the first action plan expiring in 2009, it was critical that a new document be created that outlines the vision for vulture conservation in the coming years.

ØBased on the recommendations of the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2006

ØThe most urgently recommended action is to prevent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from poisoning major vulture food, cattle carcasses.

Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction (SAVE)

ØSAVE is a coalition of like-minded regional and international organisations formed to oversee and coordinate conservation, campaigning, and fundraising efforts to alleviate the plight of South Asia's vultures.

Vultures in India:

ØWhite rumped vulture (Critically Endangered)

ØSlender billed vulture (Critically Endangered)

ØLong billed vulture (Critically Endangered)

ØRed headed vulture (Critically Endangered)

ØEgyptian vulture (Endangered)

ØHimalayan Griffon (Near Threatened)

ØCinereous vulture (Near Threatened)

ØBearded vulture (Near Threatened)

ØGriffon Vulture (Least Concern).

CITES: Appendix II , Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I