Pokhara’s vultures in peril

The iconic vultures, nature’s efficient scavengers, are facing a grim threat in Pokhara and across South Asia due to a lack of healthy food sources and habitat destruction.

Until the 1990s, South Asia was home to tens of millions of vultures, with Nepal alone harboring millions of these birds. However, their populations began to plummet rapidly, primarily due to the widespread use of the veterinary drug Diclofenac on livestock. Vultures that consumed the meat of animals treated with Diclofenac suffered kidney damage, ultimately leading to their untimely demise.

Diclofenac nearly wiped out vultures

India reported a staggering 99.9 percent decline in its white-rumped vulture population and a 97 percent decrease in slender-billed vultures due to Diclofenac use. Nepal also witnessed a significant reduction in its vulture population. In response to this crisis, Nepal, India, and Pakistan imposed a ban on the usage and distribution of Diclofenac in 2006 by recommending Meloxicam as an alternative.

Following the Diclofenac ban, an innovative initiative known as the ‘vulture restaurant’ started established in Pithauli, Nawalparasi district. It soon expanded to Gaidahawa of Rupandehi, Lalmatiyar of Dang, Bijauri, Khutiya of Kailali, Ghachowk of Kaski and Ramdhuni of Sunsari. This effort aimed to provide hygienic food for vultures by allowing people to bring their aging cattle to these restaurants. These cattle are cared for until they naturally pass away, after which their carcasses are fed to vultures.

However, new challenges have emerged in the preservation of vultures in Nepal. Stray dogs poisoned by unknown individuals and the reckless expansion of high-voltage electricity lines have become pressing threats to these magnificent birds.

Nature’s scavengers

Vultures play a vital role in maintaining a clean environment by rapidly consuming carcasses of deceased animals near rivers, lakes, and other areas, leaving behind only bones. By performing this essential ecological service, vultures have been instrumental in safeguarding humans and other animals from diseases like rabies, plague, cholera, diarrhea, as well as anthrax, brucellosis, and tuberculosis in livestock.

Despite their critical role in environmental and public health, vultures are now endangered due to human activities and negligence. For example, an unfortunate incident occurred in Jitpur, Ramgram-4 of Nawalparasi, where 69 vultures died after feeding on poisoned dogs. Such incidents underscore the urgency of vulture conservation efforts.

Haphazard expansion of high tension lines has emerged as another challenge in vulture conservation. Vultures unintentionally perch on high-tension electricity lines, resulting in electrocution. This hazard is particularly prevalent near the Bhorletar-Damauli 33 kV transmission line of the Midim Hydropower Project where, locals say, more than a dozen vultures die every year.

Loss of habitat and grazing lands

The loss of habitat and grazing lands is another significant concern for vultures in Pokhara. Chinnedanda in Pokhara-14, Kaski, used to serve as prime grazing land for vultures before an airport was constructed. Horses, mules from the highlands, and local livestock used to graze in this area. When these animals died from the rigors of their journey, vultures would feast upon them. The construction of the airport led to the displacement of a substantial number of vultures.

Similarly, the conversion of farmlands into residential plots has negatively impacted the vulture population. These farmlands used to host a significant cattle population, and vultures would feed on the deceased animals. However, with the urbanization trend, the cattle population in Pokhara has dwindled significantly.

All nine vulture species found in South Asia can be found in Nepal. They include Himalayan vulture, slender-billed vulture, white-rumped vulture, red-headed vulture, Egyptian vulture, bearded vulture, long-billed vulture, Eurasian griffon, and cinereous vulture. Six of these species breed within Nepal, building nests in tall simal trees or high rocky cliffs.

Conservation expert Dr Hem Sagar Baral said that the environment in Pokhara and its surroundings remains suitable for vultures. Experts like Dr Baral say concerted efforts are essential to mitigate the challenges posed by habitat loss, poisoning, and electrical hazards to ensure the survival of these invaluable creatures.