Experts from Bombay Natural History Society and Bird Count India Share Insights
Raipur, November 16, 2024: A one-day workshop on **vulture conservation** was organized by the Chhattisgarh Forest Department at Aranya Bhavan in Naya Raipur. The event brought together researchers, students, and senior forest department officials to discuss various aspects of vulture conservation. Experts from the **Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)** and **Bird Count India** provided valuable insights into the current status of vultures, reasons for their declining population, and strategies to create a conducive environment for their survival.
### **Focus Areas and Initiatives**
Researchers and students highlighted the importance of vulture conservation and deliberated on the challenges involved. Data on vulture populations in Chhattisgarh were presented, with special recognition given to the efforts of **Indravati Tiger Reserve** and **Achanakmar Tiger Reserve**. These reserves are implementing innovative initiatives such as **Vulture Restaurants** and **Vulture Safe Zones**.
The workshop emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between the Forest Department, Veterinary Department, and Drug Control Department to restrict the use of harmful veterinary drugs like diclofenac, which are lethal to vultures.
### **Key Remarks and Future Plans**
Chief Wildlife Warden **Shri Prem Kumar**, the event’s chief guest, stressed the importance of fostering emotional connections between citizens and vultures to promote their conservation. Efforts are underway to reintroduce **White-Rumped Vultures** at the **Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary**.
Awareness programs will be conducted in schools and colleges to sensitize students about nature and vulture conservation. The Forest Department plans to collaborate with NGOs, researchers, and other organizations to strengthen conservation efforts. A monitoring system, including **geo-tagging of vultures**, will be developed to track their habitats and activities effectively.
### **Key Participants**
Senior officials, including retired Chief Wildlife Warden **Shri R. K. Singh**, Assistant Chief Wildlife Warden **Shri Arun Kumar**, and others, actively participated in the workshop. Representatives from major reserves, such as **Udaanti-Sitanadi**, **Achanakmar**, and **Indravati**, also shared their experiences.
### **Panel Discussion Highlights**
The panel featured prominent conservationists such as:
– **Dr. Vibhu Prakash** (BNHS)
– **Dr. Suresh Kumar** (Wildlife Institute of India)
– **Mr. Christopher Bowden**
– **Dr. Kajveen Umrigar**
– **Shri Shekhar Kolipaka**
– **Shri Dilsher Khan**
They shared insights from their work, emphasizing the importance of habitat preservation, community involvement, and stringent drug regulations to ensure vulture survival.
This workshop marks a significant step toward addressing the challenges of vulture conservation and building a sustainable strategy to protect these critical scavengers, which play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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