Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DTE
Context: The ban on veterinary drugs aceclofenac and ketoprofen, which are harmful to vultures, has been widely supported by vulture conservationists and experts.
About Vultures:
- Vultures are medium- to large-sized birds of prey. They are known for eating carrion (the bodies of dead animals).
Status:
- CITES: Appendix II
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:Schedule I
- IUCN
| Vulture Species | Conservation Status |
| White-rumped vulture | Critically Endangered |
| Slender-billed vulture | Critically Endangered |
| Long-billed vulture | Critically Endangered |
| Red-headed vulture | Critically Endangered |
| Egyptian vulture | Endangered |
| Himalayan Griffon | Near Threatened |
| Cinereous vulture | Near Threatened |
| Bearded vulture | Near Threatened |
| Griffon vulture | Least Concern |
Conservation Initiatives:
- National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved an Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025. Key highlights of the plan include,
- Vulture Conservation Centre
- Vulture Safe zone
- Rescue Centres: Establishment of four rescue centres, in Pinjore (Haryana), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Guwahati (Assam) and Hyderabad (Telangana). There are currently no dedicated rescue centres for treating vultures.
- Toxic Drugs: A system to automatically remove a drug from veterinary use if it is found to be toxic to vultures with the help of the Drugs Controller General of India.
- Vultures Census
- Database on Threats to Vultures
