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Time of India

Koderma forest div discusses ways to conserve vultures

Koderma: Vultures, the natural scavengers crucial to ecological balance, are facing a sharp decline due to widespread use of toxic veterinary drugs. To counter this alarming trend, Koderma forest division conducted an awareness programme on Friday, emphasising the urgent need to conserve these endangered birds through responsible veterinary practices. The programme brought together para-veterinarians, livestock owners, and officials from the animal husbandry and forest departments. Satya Prakash, a bird expert and state coordinator of the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN), addressed the attendees. He explained how vultures ingest lethal residues of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) when feeding on carcasses of treated cattle, which leads to renal failure and eventual death in vultures, particularly from visceral gout caused by diclofenac toxicity. "The loss of vultures results in the unregulated decomposition of carcasses, increasing the risk of disease spread such as rabies and anthrax," Prakash said. He urged cattle owners to switch to vulture-safe alternatives like meloxicam, a proven non-toxic NSAID. Divisional forest officer (DFO) Saumitra Shukla underscored the collective responsibility of stakeholders, "The conservation of vultures is essential to prevent ecological collapse. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This AI Tutor Lets You Learn Languages Your Way Talkpal AI Learn More Undo The forest, veterinary, and municipal departments, along with local cattle owners, must work in tandem." He said that animal carcasses found on roads or in fields due to accidents would now be transported to the "Vulture Restaurant" established at Gumo, a safe feeding site for vultures. This initiative ensures that vultures receive uncontaminated food and helps prevent environmental pollution caused by decaying bodies. The DFO also revealed that Koderma falls under the Hazaribag Vulture Safe Zone, a designated conservation area. According to the baseline survey conducted in 2024, four species of vultures — including the critically endangered white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) — were recorded in Koderma, with approximately 250 spotted in Telaiya Dam, Chandwara, and Jamukhari. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !