The Indian Vulture Count: A Citizen Science Initiative

Introduction:- World Wide Fund(WWF)-India has started a new project called “Vulture Count in India 2024,” which will take place from September 7 to October 6, 2024. This initiative is timed to coincide with International Vulture Awareness Day. The goal is to count and evaluate the number of vultures in India, particularly focusing on critically endangered species. The project also aims to raise public awareness about the importance of vultures in our ecosystems. The estimated number of Indian vultures in the wild is between 5000 to 15000 While the population has stabilized, it is not recovering.

Why are vulture important?

Vultures are often overlooked, but when considered carefully, they do have a vital role in keeping up healthy ecologies. Here is why they are so important: Disease control: Vultures have stomach acid that can kill most bacteria and viruses found in decaying carcasses. Speedily consuming dead animals, the diseases of anthrax, rabies, or botulism cannot spread to wildlife, livestock, or even among humans.

Nutrient recycling: Vultures are thus a form of natural cleanup crew. They break down organic matter efficiently and recycle it back into the ecosystem with the necessary nutrients. This further builds up soil and helps plantations, and they are at the base of the food chain.
Reduced emission of greenhouse gases: The rotting carcass emits foul gases comprising methane that contributes to greenhouse gases. Vultures consume the carcasses, hence reducing the emissions in the atmosphere.
Economic benefits: In several parts of the globe, vultures are crucial to livestock farmers since they help dispose of dead animals, thus decreasing the possibility of a disease outbreak and also saving the cost of disposing of the carcasses.
Cultural and spiritual value: Vultures have cultural and spiritual significance in most societies. They are primarily symbolic because they have become the purification and renewal bird.
Challenges Facing Vulture Populations

Vulture populations in India have dramatically decreased due to several threats, including:

Toxic Chemicals: Vultures often die after eating animals that have been treated with harmful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac.
Loss of Habitat: As human development expands, vultures are losing the natural areas they need to survive.
Electrocution: Vultures can get electrocuted by power lines.
Lack of Food: The availability of food has decreased, making it harder for vultures to find enough to eat.
Human Disturbances: Human activities often disrupt vulture habitats, making it difficult for them to thrive.
Goals of Vulture Count 2024

The main goals of the “Vulture Count in India 2024” initiative are:

Monitor Vulture Populations: Systematically track how many vultures there are to understand population trends.
Identify Critical Habitats: Find out which areas are most important for vulture survival.
Assess Environmental Impacts: Evaluate how the environment is affecting vulture populations.

The data collected from this initiative will help in creating better strategies for conserving vultures and spreading awareness about their importance.

Community Involvement

WWF-India is encouraging everyone, from citizen scientists and bird enthusiasts to local communities, to take part in this important project. Dipankar Ghose, a senior director at WWF-India, has highlighted the crucial role that volunteers can play in collecting data for vulture conservation.

Which Vulture Species Will Be Counted?

The count will focus on specific vulture species in India, including White-rumped vulture, Red-headed vulture, Indian vulture, Bearded vulture, Slender-billed vulture, Himalayan griffon, Eurasian griffon, Egyptian vulture and Cinereous vulture.

About WWF-India

WWF-India, established in 1969, is part of the global World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) network. The organization focuses on protecting wildlife, preserving habitats, and promoting sustainable development. WWF-India runs over 100 projects across the country, with a particular focus on endangered species like the Bengal tiger and Indian rhinoceros. The organization also works on community-based conservation, encouraging eco-friendly practices. Through initiatives like the Green Schools program, WWF-India educates students about sustainability. The organization collaborates with government bodies to advocate for environmental policies and supports reforestation efforts to fight climate change.