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Context

• A total of 20 vultures were brought to MadhyaPradesh from Vulture Conservation Centre in Kerwa from Pinjore in Haryana on June 24, 2023.
• It included five males, five females and 10 sub adult vultures.
• The initiative is expected to improve the population of species in the state.

Background

• In MadhyaPradesh, white-rumped vultures were in abundance during 1990s.
• However their population declined by 90% by 2005-06.
• The main culprit was the exposure to diclofenac, which was extensively used for treatment of cattle.

White rumped Vulture

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

• They are generally found in Indian subcontinent and the regions of south east Asia such as Thailand, Laos.
• They are more commonly found in the Indus valley and along the Himalayas to Assam valley.
• They are found in variety of landscapes including hilly regions and Plains near human settlements.

Conservation Status

• They are categorized as critically endangered species as per IUCN.
• They are listed under schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

Threat

• Prime reason for decline - Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for cattle treatment – for eg
• Habitat degradation and fragmentation.
• Loss of foraging range.
• Reduced availability of
• Instances of electrocutions due to encounter with power lines.

Measures Taken

• Mass education and awareness programme are being undertaken for sensitizing about their significance.
• Involvement of local communities to report injured vulture to authorities.
• In 2006, Project Vulture was launched by Government of India in an effort to save vultures.
• Also various Vulture Captive Care facility and Vulture care centres have been established.
• There is a prohibition on manufacture of Diclofenac for animal use.
• A National Action Plan (2006) on Vulture Conservation has been formulated.

Benefits to human and Environment

• Regulation of stray dog population.
• They are known to be scavengers who, by eating the dead carcass -
  • Keep a check on the spread of disease like rabies, anthrax.
  • Help in avoiding the risk of water contamination.
• They keep the environment clean.
• They help in sustainability of customs such as Towers of Silence.

Tower of Silence It is a traditional custom/practice of the Parsis. After death of a person they place the dead in the structure called ‘Towers of Silence’. Vultures can feed upon the body.

Must Read Article:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/vultures-in-india

PRACTICE QUESTION Vultures help in keeping environment clean. Their declining population can pose a risk to human health. Discuss in context of White humped vulture. Also mention the initiatives taken by government to conserve the population of vultures. (250 words)

https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-20-white-rumped-vultures-brought-from-haryana