India’s First Vulture Conservation Portal Launched

We Foundation India and Gauhati University, Zoology Department have launched the first Vulture Conservation Portal in India. The program aims to establish a conservation network and to give information in local language, beginning with Assamese. It links vulture conservation with the communities and local economy at the grassroots. The portal was introduced in partnership with a number of organizations as part of the Vulture Network. This was timed with Vulture Day of the Dead., which emphasized the need to save vultures.

What is in the News?

• The first vulture conservation portal in India was launched in Assam.
• Designed by We Foundation India + Gauhati University Zoology Dept.

Key Points

About the Portal

• India that has never been launched before.
• Data in local languages (Assamese).
• Created to create researchers, NGO and community networks.
• Focus: awareness + grassroot involvement.

Collaboration

• Partners: Assam Bird Monitoring Network, LASA Foundation, Suraksha Samitee.
• Engages scientists, conservationists and local communities.

Ecological Role of Vultures

• Vultures are the scavengers of nature - stop the spread of diseases by getting rid of carcasses.
• Their loss leads to increase in the feral dog population and zoonotic diseases.

Background

• India had previously the largest vulture population in the world.
• Mass depletion since the 1990s because of diclofenac (veterinary drug poisonous to vultures).
• Endangered (IUCN Red List) e.g. White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture.

International Vulture Awareness Day

• Every first weekend of September.
• Objective: Educate people about the need and protection of vultures.
• Portal was introduced at the time of this world event.

Significance

• Local language knowledge as community-based conservation.
• Enhances the efforts of India according to the national action plan on vulture conservation (20202025).
• Creates scientific + social partnership to practice sustainability.

Conclusion

Vulture Conservation Portal is one of the achievements of biodiversity in India. It will reverse vulture decline by combining scientific research, local knowledge, and involvement of the community. Not only does the initiative help preserve an endangered species, but the initiative also helps preserve human health and ecology.