Vultures
Context:
Recently, 34 vultures, which are under the critically endangered category, were relocated from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) in Pinjore, Haryana, to Maharashtra.
- The initiative was an effort to support regional vulture reintroduction efforts.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Conservation)
Key Highlights:
- VCBC was established in 2001 under the UK’s Darwin Initiative.
- A joint project of the Haryana Forest Department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
- Focused on conserving three vulture species: white-backed, long-billed, and slender-billed.
- Located near Bir Shikargaha Wildlife Sanctuary, Haryana.
- Played a key role in confirming diclofenac as the primary cause of vulture deaths.
About Vultures species in India:
- Vultures are one of the largest scavenger birds.
- They are majorly found in the tropics and the subtropics.
- Vultures play an important role in disposing of nature’s waste and help keep the environment clean of waste.
- India is home to 9 species of vulture: long-billed, Oriental white-backed, slender-billed, Himalayan, Egyptian, bearded, cinereous, Eurasian Griffon and red-headed.
- Special characteristic features:
- They keep the wildlife diseases in check due to its special strong stomach. Its stomach contains very acidic digestive juices that can kill bacteria and viruses that otherwise could cause diseases like anthrax, rabies, and botulism, thus acting as a true “dead end” for pathogens.
- They also help in decomposing organic matter and help the soil to return its nutrients back. This benefits plant growth and the overall health of the ecosystem.
- They are also known as indicative species and they are very sensitive to changes. Their increase or decrease in the population is an indicator of a wider ecological problem.
Prelims Question:
- With reference to the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC), Pinjore, consider the following statements:
- It was established with support from the United Nations Environment Programme.
- It focuses on conserving three critically endangered vulture species.
- It helped identify Diclofenac as the main reason for vulture population decline.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 2 and 3 only
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