India's Vultures Rise from Near Extinction Through Breeding and Release Programs

Vultures in India are experiencing a revival, thanks to ongoing breeding and release efforts led by conservation groups. Collaborative initiatives in several states have led to positive survival trends, although success hinges on securing safe food sources for these birds beyond protected conservation areas.

India's vultures, once on the brink of extinction due to toxic veterinary drugs, are now showing signs of recovery through strategic breeding and release initiatives. More than 700 vultures have been bred in captivity, with various protected reserves serving as new safe havens for these critically endangered species.

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and state governments are spearheading efforts to restore vulture populations across India. Trials involving releases in states such as Haryana, Maharashtra, and Assam have shown promising results, with vultures adapting to these environments effectively. However, the long-term success of this initiative depends on the availability of safe food sources beyond these protected areas, according to BNHS director Kishor Rithe.

Since discovering the destructive impact of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac on vulture populations in 1999, a series of bans were implemented, starting with diclofenac in 2006. Subsequently, other NSAIDs like ketoprofen, aceclofenac, and nimesulide were also prohibited.

To combat the risk of extinction, the BNHS, with support from international conservation bodies, established several breeding centers, resulting in successful natural breeding occurrences and bird dispersal across India, Nepal, and Bhutan without further NSAID-related deaths. These centers continue to play a pivotal role in vulture conservation, ensuring that India's vultures have a future.