Vulture Count 2024: WWF-India launches tracking initiative to take stock of nature’s ‘sanitation workers’

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

WWF-India has launched an initiative focused on counting vultures and raising awareness about the critically endangered bird species.
The initiative will run from September 7 to October 6, coinciding with International Vulture Awareness Day.
The first Saturday of September (7 September 2024) marks the International Vulture Awareness Day.

Importance of Vultures:

Vultures play a crucial role in ecosystems by serving as nature’s clean-up crew, feeding on carrion to prevent the spread of diseases that could affect wildlife, livestock, and humans.
Their consumption of decomposing animal carcasses aids nutrient cycling and maintains ecological balance.

Threats to Vulture Populations:

Vulture populations in India have drastically declined due to threats such as ingestion of toxic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac, habitat loss, electrocution, food scarcity, and human disturbances.

Vulture Count 2024:

The Vulture Count 2024aims to systematically monitor vulture populations by gathering comprehensive baseline data.
This data will help track population trends, identify critical habitats, assess the impact of environmental changes, and develop targeted conservation strategies and policies.
The initiative also seeks to raise public awareness and support for vulture conservation.
The count will focus on key vulture species, including the white-rumped vulture, red-headed vulture, Indian vulture, bearded vulture, slender-billed vulture, Himalayan griffon, Eurasian griffon, Egyptian vulture, and cinereous vulture.

Source: DTE