Daily Current Affairs : 4-August-2023
In a remarkable achievement for wildlife conservation, researchers have achieved a breakthrough in the captive breeding of Himalayan vultures at the Assam State Zoo in India. This significant development marks the second successful instance of captive breeding of these majestic birds, with the first being in France. The captive breeding of Himalayan vultures not only highlights the dedication of conservationists but also sheds light on the critical importance of preserving these remarkable creatures.
The Majestic Himalayan Vulture: A Profile
Common Name and Scientific Classification
The Himalayan vulture, scientifically known as Gyps himalayensis, is also commonly referred to as the Himalayan Griffon. These vultures possess distinctive features that include stout bills, a loosely feathered ruff, long wings, and a short tail. Remarkably, they are the largest of the Gyps species, making them among the most imposing and weighty birds inhabiting the Himalayan region.
Habitat and Distribution
These vultures thrive in the elevated landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas, predominantly dwelling at altitudes exceeding 1500 meters. Their range extends across various countries, including Western China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, and the Himalayan mountain range in India. Despite their wide distribution, the Himalayan vultures have faced numerous challenges that have led to a decline in their population.
Alarming Decline of Vulture Population in India
Population Decline
Over the past few decades, the Himalayan vulture population, along with several other vulture species, has been undergoing a distressing decline. This decline has been particularly evident among three severely endangered species: the Oriental white-backed vulture, long-billed vulture, and slender-billed vulture. Shockingly, these species experienced a staggering decline of 99% between the 1990s and 2007. The red-headed vulture, categorized as critically endangered, faced a similarly dire situation with a 91% population reduction. Egyptian vultures also suffered an 80% decrease in their numbers.
Identifying Threats
The decline in vulture populations can be attributed to various factors, with one of the most prominent being the consumption of vulture-toxic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like diclofenac. These medications, often administered to livestock, prove fatal to vultures when they consume the carcasses of treated animals. The vultures’ crucial role in the ecosystem emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these remarkable scavengers.
The Ecological Role of Vultures: Guardians of Balance
Infection Control and Ecological Balance
Vultures play a vital role as scavengers, forming an essential part of the ecosystem’s infection-control mechanism. The high acidity levels in their stomachs enable them to neutralize pathogens, effectively breaking the chain of infection. Their consumption of decomposing animal remains contributes to ecosystem cleanliness and balance, all while remarkably avoiding contracting diseases despite their diet.
Conservation Initiatives: A Glimmer of Hope
Vulture Conservation Breeding Programme
Recognizing the critical need for vulture conservation, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) spearheaded the Vulture Conservation Breeding Programme. This initiative aims to bolster vulture populations through controlled breeding efforts.
Ban on Diclofenac and Conservation Action Plans
In a significant step, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation in 2006, which led to the ban on veterinary use of diclofenac. This measure was pivotal in curbing one of the major threats to vultures’ survival.
Vulture Action Plan 2025
To further enhance vulture conservation, the Vulture Action Plan 2025 was introduced. This comprehensive plan encompasses a Vulture Safe Zone program that spans eight locations across India. Two of these locations are situated in Uttar Pradesh, where vulture populations still exist.
Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres (VCBCs)
The establishment of four Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres (VCBCs) by the BNHS at Pinjore (Haryana), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Rani (Assam), and Rajabhatkhawa (West Bengal) exemplifies a dedicated effort towards conservation breeding of vultures.
Important Points:
- Captive breeding of Himalayan vultures achieved at Assam State Zoo, India – second instance globally after France.
- Himalayan vultures, or Himalayan Griffons (Gyps himalayensis), are distinctive with stout bills, long wings, and a short tail.
- They are the largest in the Gyps species, thriving at altitudes above 1500 meters in the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas.
- Severe decline in vulture populations since the 1990s, with Oriental white-backed, long-billed, and slender-billed vultures witnessing a 99% drop.
- Red-headed vultures (critically endangered) down by 91%, Egyptian vultures by 80%.
- Threats include vulture-toxic NSAIDs like diclofenac, given to livestock, leading to vulture deaths upon consuming treated animal carcasses.
- Vultures play a crucial role in infection control due to highly acidic stomachs that neutralize pathogens, contributing to ecosystem cleanliness.
- Conservation efforts led by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Central Zoo Authority (CZA) through Vulture Conservation Breeding Programme.
- Ban on veterinary use of diclofenac in 2006 as part of the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Vulture Action Plan 2025 focuses on Vulture Safe Zones at eight locations, including Uttar Pradesh, where vulture populations persist.
- Four Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres (VCBCs) established by BNHS in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal.
- Captive breeding of Himalayan vultures at Assam State Zoo signifies a promising step towards vulture conservation.
- Vultures’ ecological importance lies in their role as scavengers breaking the chain of infection and maintaining ecosystem balance.
Why In News
In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists have documented a significant milestone at the Assam State Zoo in India, where captive breeding of the Himalayan vulture has been successfully realized, marking a historic first within the nation. This remarkable feat adds a second chapter to the global narrative of captive breeding efforts for these vultures, following in the footsteps of the initial success story witnessed in France.
MCQs about Safeguarding Himalayan Vultures Through Conservation
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What is the significance of the captive breeding achievement at the Assam State Zoo?
A. It is the first instance of captive breeding of vultures in the world.
B. It is the third instance of captive breeding of Himalayan vultures in India.
C. It is the second successful instance of captive breeding of Himalayan vultures globally.
D. It is a breakthrough in the breeding of vultures in their natural habitat.
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Why have vulture populations been declining over the years?
A. Loss of habitat due to deforestation.
B. Climate change affecting their breeding patterns.
C. Consumption of vulture-toxic medicines like diclofenac.
D. Increased competition with other scavenger species.
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What is the role of vultures in maintaining ecosystem balance?
A. They contribute to pollination of plants.
B. They control the population of predatory animals.
C. Their acidic stomachs neutralize pathogens, breaking the chain of infection.
D. They assist in the dispersal of seeds.
