Project to conserve vultures in Wayanad

E.M. Manoj, KALPETTA
The Hindu,  March 14, 2016

The Forest and Wildlife Department has launched a comprehensive project to conserve the existing vulture population in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, a major habitat of different species of vultures in South India.

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest has earmarked Rs.50 lakh for the project and it has sanctioned Rs.30 lakh this fiscal, Promod G. Krishnan, Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), told The Hindu .

Awareness programmes planned

“We are planning awareness programmes, continuous monitoring of the birds, year-round protection to the nests, and will also ensure availability of food for the scavenger bird,” he said

“We have already identified the habitats of two species, including the white-rumped and red-headed vultures, in three forest ranges,” P. Dhaneshkumar, warden of the sanctuary said.

The sanctuary has procured 51 infrared cameras for watching the movements of the birds, he said.

“As many as 25 tribal watchers have been selected for monitoring the birds and they will be provided special training,” he said.

Special programmes

Awareness programmes will be organised for villagers and students on the significance of conserving the scavenger bird.

Special awareness programmes will be organised for veterinarians and medical shopkeepers on the misuse of drug diclofenac, responsible for the dramatic fall in vulture population in the country.

The department has started preparing pamphlets, posters and documentaries for the purpose. “We are also planning to leave the carcasses of wild animals for the birds instead of cremating or burning them, with the support of villagers and vulture watchers,” Mr. Dhaneshkumar added.