VULTURE COUNT 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: WWF-India has launched an initiative "Vulture Count 2024” that involves counting of vultures and raising awareness on the critically endangered bird species.

Vulture Count 2024

• About: It represents a significant opportunity for citizen scientists, bird enthusiasts and local communities to contribute to vulture conservation and to increase awareness about them
• Aim: To address this crisis by systematically monitoring vulture populations. Gathering comprehensive baseline data will help track population trends, identify critical habitats, and assess the impact of environmental changes.
• It follows the success of similar counts conducted in previous years.
• Continuity and Growth: Builds on the success of previous vulture counts, enhancing data collection and conservation efforts.
• International Awareness Alignment: Timed to coincide with International Vulture Awareness Day, raising global consciousness about vulture conservation.
• Diverse Focus: Covers multiple vulture species, including the white-rumped, red-headed, and Indian vultures, among others.
• Public Participation: WWF-India has suggested several accessible locations for public involvement, encouraging broader community engagement.

Vultures in India

• 9 species: India is home to 9 species of Vulture namely the Oriental white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous and the Eurasian Griffon.
• Conservation status: Bearded, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Oriental white-backed are protected in the Schedule-1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. 

o Rest are protected under ‘Schedule IV’.

• IUCN Status

o Critically Endangered: Oriental White-backed Vulture, Long-billed Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture and Red-headed Vulture.

o Endangered: Egyptian Vulture.

o Near Threatened: Himalayan Vulture, Cinereous Vulture and Bearded Vulture.

o Least Concern: Eurasian Griffon.

o Threats: Poisoning from diclofenac, Loss of Natural Habitats, Food Dearth and Contamination and Electrocution by Power lines.