An annual survey that studies the vulture's natural habitat along with counting its population across the Tarai showed the number of these birds has reached 71 this year -- three more than the previous year.
As per the report of the Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), there were 68 White-rumped vultures in the year 2013-14. In the year 2011-12, the number was just 43."Compared to last year's increment, this year's number is significantly low. But still this is a great achievement and an indicator that shows rapid improvement in vultures' habitat in Nepal," said Khadananda Paudel, Vulture Conservation Program Officer at BCN.
However, the growth of vulture population was never smooth in Nepal and across South Asia. It was the rampant use of diclofenac, a non-sterodial anti-inflammatory drug used to medicate livestock which was taking the lives of hundreds of vultures. According to reports, the numbers of vultures in Asia had declined by 97 to 99 percent in the 1990s.
As per BCN record, there were a total of 205 White-rumped vultures in 2002 which had decreased to 52 by 2009.
"Before 2000, there were over 500,000 vultures of various species in Nepal. But the population reduced to a few hundreds within the next few years as the use of diclofenac went unchecked. It was death on a massive scale and the government finally banned the use of this killer medicine," said Paudel.
A team comprising three experts visited the Tarai to inspect the condition of the birds from May 6-24. The team took the East-West highway, covering 638 kilometers from Narayanghat in Chitwan to Gaddhachowki in Kanchanpur.
Although vultures fail to impress many of us with its unappealing look and thick feathered body, these scavengers play a vital role in keeping the environment clean. Thanks to their natural habit of feeding on leftover animal carcasses, the fear of disease spreading to humans is tapped.
Paudel attributed the improvement of vulture population to the growing consciousness about the urgency to protect vultures along with invested efforts in doing so.
"The ban of the drug was the first approach that stopped the killing of these environment-friendly birds. Besides, awareness programs, declaration of diclofenac free zones has helped a lot in conserving these invaluable birds," said Paudel.
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