The White-rumped, Slender-billed and Red-headed Vultures entered the IUCN list of critically endangered species in 2000. Along with these, the population of eight vulture species found in Nepal is declining drastically.
According to a newsletter produced by Bird Conservation Nepal, it is estimated that Nepal alone had 150,000 breeding pairs of White-rumped vultures until 15 years ago, but today the vultures are threatened with extinction. Experts say the vulture population has decreased over the years by 99 percent. And the culprit? A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac, which is used extensively for treating livestock.
“The use of diclofenac on animals is banned both in Nepal and India but due to its easy availability, it is still used illegally,” says Deependra Joshi, Executive Officer at Bird Conservation Nepal.
Diclofenac, which is present in animal carcass, is very harmful to vulture kidneys, and after eating flesh containing diclofenac the vulture dies of kidney failure. Diclofenac use is not declining despite the wide availability of meloxicam, an alternative drug that is not harmful to vultures.
To provide vultures with diclofenac-free carcass, the Zatayu Restaurant for the scavengers was opened at Pithauli, Nawalparasi district in 2004. The restaurant collects aged and dying cows from neighboring villages and houses them until they die. The carcass is then fed to the vultures.
According to Tulsi Subedi, a biologist studying vultures in Nepal, the number of vultures frequenting the restaurant has increased over the years.
“While only 20 vultures came to feed at Zatayu in 2004, the number has now increased to over 40,” says Subedi.
The success of Jatayu Restaurant inspired conservationists to open two more such facilities. One was opened in Bishnupura, Rupendehi a year ago and another in Lalmutiya, Dang earlier this year.
“Two more vulture restaurants are in the pipeline,” says Deependra Joshi, disclosing that suitable spots have already been chosen in Pokhara and Kailali.
The bird restaurants may be a success but Tulsi Subedi, who has been surveying vulture numbers since last year, says that the numbers spotted from the East-West Highway have been declining.
“We are yet to come out with a report but I did notice a decline in vulture numbers on the East-West Highway," says Subedi.
Apart from the restaurants trying to preserve vultures, a captive breeding centre is also in operation at the Chitwan National Park and it is currently breeding 44 vultures in captivity. Despite these efforts, the vulture in Nepal is facing extinction as diclofenac use is still prevalent here. Conservationists fear that the vulture could become extinct soon if the diclofenac ban is not enforced strictly and further conservation efforts not initiated.
kushal@myrepublica.com
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