This story is from November 4, 2020

In move to prevent extinction, Jhansi, Lalitpur turn breeding sites for endangered vultures

In move to prevent extinction, Jhansi, Lalitpur turn breeding sites for endangered vultures
Endangered Indian Longbilled vultures seen breeding in Moth area of Jhansi and Deoghar area of Lalitpur
Jhansi: The Bundelkhand region, otherwise known for water scarcity and being largely undeveloped, is turning out to be a saviour for the critically endangered vulture population as areas of Lalitpur and Jhansi district have become a safe haven for breeding of the species on the brink of extinction.
Around five out of total nine species in the country have been spotted here.

The Cinereous, Egyptian, Indian, Red-Headed and White Rumped Vultures have been seen breeding in the Moth area of Jhansi and Deoghar area of Lalitpur. Both the areas are on the river banks of the Betwa river having vertical cliffs and considered ideal for their breeding.
Vulture has religious significance as it figured in Ramayan and is known as a natural scavenger because it preys on animal corpses.
The bird is on verge of extinction due to rapid urbanization and rampant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac sodium in livestock, which cause renal failure in vultures when they feed on carcasses.
Around two decades ago, the vultures were present in good numbers, but their population crashed as they died in hordes after eating animal carcasses with tissues containing diclofenac sodium.

In Lalitpur, vultures are mainly found in Deoghar which has a number of historic places lik Jain cave, Buddha cave, Nahargarh, all situated on Vindhya Range. Vultures have made these hilly jungles their habitat.
The local administration has declared 1,242 hectares of land as jungle to conserve vultures.
Similarly in Moth area, vultures inhabit Shivra hills rich in vegetation and famous for the ‘Kapil Muni Ashram’.
Pinaki Singh, chief conservator of forests, Bundelkhand zone, told TOI, “There are about 60-70 vultures in Moth and around 150 in Lalitpur. All efforts are being made to conserve these birds and increase their numbers. This includes opening a ‘Vulture Restaurant’ in Lalitpur with the help of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to provide safe and adequate food for these scavengers.”
Besides, we are also taking steps to minimise their poaching near water reservoirs, especially in winter, he added.
“We are also carrying out both artificial and natural regeneration to give a better habitat to herbivores in the area along with conservation of tall trees. We continuously monitor their status and do an annual census,” said Singh.
Alka Dubey, senior biologist, BNHS, Mumbai, who has done extensive nationwide survey on vultures, especially in Bundelkhand region, said these birds play an important role in the natural food chain and therefore their diminishing numbers are a cause of worry for the environment.
“There was a sudden crash in their population. All efforts are being made to increase their population. Bundelkhand is considered quite important for vultures as it hosts five of the nine species found in the country and can prevent their extinction,” she added.
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