Vulture Conservation – Nature Club Surat

You will be surprised to know that vulture population in Asia has declined by 98% Vultures, though they are birds of prey, they need only on carcasses. These scavengers hence check the spread of diseases which are propagated due to decaying carcasses. If we so not take some concrete steps in immediately, soon this important link of Nature’s food chain will be lost. Vultures have almost vanished from many states in India.

Its population in Gujarat, 12 years back was about 15,000, today there are only about 950 vultures left in Gujarat. Nature Club Surat along with BCSG has taken up the challenge to save the vulture in wild since 2005.

Reasons

Degradation of Natural Habitat

Vultures prefer huge trees for their roosting and nesting. However, large trees and being cut both in the forest area and near human habitations.

Food Scarcity

Use of carcasses by human for skin, etc. and increasing population of stray dogs is creating scarcity of food for vultures.

Toxic Effects

Scientists have found that vultures eating dead animals that have been treated with drug called Diclofenac develop toxicity of liver and internal gout
and ultimately die.

Nature Club Surat conducts the following activities for the conservation of vultures:

Vulture Awareness Programs

Vulture awareness programs are conducted with audio visual tools especially in schools and other organizations near areas inhabited by vultures.

School children are educated about the need of conservation of vultures. This has proved very beneficial because these school children now immediately inform our volunteers when they see sick or injured birds. They also keep us informed about any new nests they may have spotted.

Awareness programs and direct interactions with locals and cattle breeding tribes (rabaries).

Vulture feeding site by Nature Club Surat

- Vulture feeding site at Hazira, Surat was established by the club In 2006. “Diclofenac free” food is regularly provided at the site. Dogs and other disturbances are kept away from the site.

Substituting meloxicam in place of diclofenac

Meloxicam is a safe substitute for diclofenac but is a little costlier. Nature Club Surat is distributing meloxicam all over Gujarat at subsidized rates.We also conduct regular meetings with veterinary doctors to make them aware of the dangers of diclofenac.

Vulture rescue, treatment & release

Nature Club Surat rescues ill or injured vultures and provides treatment from expert veterinary doctors.Huge cages have been fabricated to keep the vultures till they recover. These vultures are released back into the wild when they are fit enough to fly.

Keeping an observant eye on

Nature Club Surat regularly monitors vultures, their nests and their habitat. Visits to vulture sites with students and locals help in collecting relevant data. Every year, vulture census is conducted by the club.

What you can do to save the VULTURE?

If you happen to see a vulture in need of help, inform the club immediately If you are a veterinary doctor, please say no to diclofenac, use meloxicam. Instead of burying dead animals, donate them for our vulture feeding site. If you find any veterinary doctor using diclofenac, please report to the district veterinary officer.