The date of September 2 is celebrated every year as the International Vulture Awareness Day. Several events are organized on the day to spread awareness about these majestic avian species. Vultures are scavengers by nature and their numbers are decreasing rapidly. Anthropogenic factors are the primary reasons for the decrease in their numbers.
The authorities at the Kaziranga National Park also celebrated the International Vulture Awareness Day. Over 70 people who were recently recruited as forest frontline workers were sensitized about these birds. They were educated about different types of vultures as well as other raptors. Dr. Nilutpal Mahanta and Dr. Dr. Khanin Changmai of the WWF India Raptor conservation program attended this event. Other specialists were also part of this awareness program organized by the Forest Department of Assam.
The first session of the day saw a discussion on vulture conservation and its urgent need. And a talk on the ONE HEALTH approach was taken up after that. The experts also spoke about the steps regarding the safe handling of carcasses of animals. And how it is essential in the prevention of accidental poisoning of the vultures.
The experts also informed that the Kaziranga National Park has over 25 species of raptors. This includes 6 species of vultures, including 3 endangered ones. They also informed that the huge protected areas of the park and its biodiversity provide an excellent habitat for vultures. They said that the use of certain toxic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use is a major risk. And so is the accidental poisoning of entire populations of vultures.
The expert panel called on everyone to spread awareness and help protect these birds. People from different walks of life attended the International Vulture Awareness Day event. These included conservationists, local veterinarians, NGOs, tour operators and media persons.
