Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre | 17 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

 Vultures raised by Madhya Pradesh Forest Department at Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre, Kerwa Bhopal were released for the first time in their natural habitat   'Halali Dam forest area' . 

Key Points 

• Release of the Vultures: 
  • All the vultures have been fitted with solar powered GPS-GSM trackers (Ornitrack-25). 
    • So that their movement patterns and housing use can be monitored. 
  • Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre was started in the year 2014 in collaboration with Van Vihar and Bombay Natural History Society for the conservation of vultures in Madhya Pradesh. 
• About the Vultures Species in India: 
  • It is one of the 22 species of large scavenger birds that live predominantly in the tropics and subtropics. 
  • They act an important function as nature’s garbage collectors and help to keep the environment clean of waste. 
    • They also play a valuable role in keeping wildlife diseases in check. 
  • India is home to 9 species of Vulture namely the Oriental white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous, and the Eurasian Griffon. 
    • Most of these 9 species are at risk of extinction. 
  • Bearded, Long Billed and Oriental White Backed are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The rest are protected under 'Schedule IV'. 
  • Dangers: 
    • Toxins like Diclofenac which is used as a medicine for animals. 
    • Loss of natural habitats due to anthropogenic activities. 
    • Food shortages and contaminated food. 
    • Current from power lines.