First Gyps Vulture Reintroduction Programme of Asia Launched by Haryana Government

First ever Gyps Vulture Reintroduction Programme of Asia has been launched by Haryana Government at the Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore by state Chief Minister Manohar Lal at the time of pre-release aviaries close to the breeding centre at Pinjore with releasing 2 captive bred Himalayan Griffons vultures.

  • As part of the soft release or reintroduction programme, in a pre-release aviary where they would have an unobstructive view of the surrounding the vultures were released.
  • This may help them to be used to with the habitat in which they would be released in the wild in future.
  • These birds were leg-ringed for identification and have been wing-tagged.

Himalayan Griffon vultures:

  • They are thoroughly connected to the judgmentally endangered occupier Gyps species of vultures but are not threatened.
  • The IUCN has programmed this species as Near Threatened.
  • They are hunters, preying on dead animals as they have a healthy digestive system which can even abstract disease-causing pathogens found in rotting meat of dead so that they helps to keep environment clean.

Decline in vulture population

  • The main purpose for quick decline in populations of vulture is due to Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which is given to cattle in inflammation and pain.
  • However vultures have robust digestive system, they are not capable to break down Diclofenac and die due to renal failure or food failure after eating carcasses of cattle managed with the drug.

Defensive steps taken by Government

  • In 2006 Union Government of India has banned the Diclofenac drug for veterinary use for bring down incidence of the drug in cattle carcasses and make the environment safe for vultures.
  • Later Drug Controller General of India banned the multi-dose vials of Diclofenac drug for human use in July 2015.

Examrace Team at Aug 21, 2021