Scavengers of ecosystem, white-rumped vulture

Nepal is home to nine species of vultures. Among them four are classified as critically endangered and one is endangered. These statuses reflect the urgency and importance of conservation efforts to protect these vulture species especially those classified as critically endangered and endangered. Out of these vultures, the white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This medium-sized vulture, identifiable by its white neck ruff, whitish back, rump, and underwing coverts contrasting with otherwise dark plumage, weighs between 3.5-7.5 kg and has a wingspan of 1.92-2.6 meters. The species is known for its broad wings and short tail feathers, with juveniles being mostly dark and taking about four to five years to develop adult plumage. It is primarily found in South and Southeast Asia.In Nepal, their habitat distribution includes lowland areas, particularly in the Terai region, which offers suitable feeding and nesting sites specially large, tall trees of Sal, Peepal, Simal and Neem. It is reported up to 3,100 meters although it is common up to about 1,000 meters. Key nesting sites include protected areas like Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park, and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and also unprotected Rampur Valley still strongholds for this species.

White-rumped vultures are essential scavengers, preventing the spread of diseases by consuming animal carcasses.They are often seen soaring in thermals and descending quickly upon spotting food. Their decline has led to an increase in feral dog populations and associated diseases like rabies, highlighting their importance in maintaining ecological balance.

Nepal’s conservation strategy includes establishing Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs), areas where the use of toxic NSAIDs is controlled and safe food and habitat are provided. These zones have been effective, with surveys showing increasing vulture populations in some regions. However, other NSAIDs like nimesulide, ketoprofen, and flunixin, still present threats to vultures. Vulture restaurants located in Pithauli and Ghachowk, provide poison-free carcasses to support the conservation of the critically endangered white-rumped vulture. Captive breeding programs and ongoing research help to support and track their population and provide valuable data to guide conservation strategies. Monitoring programs and satellite tracking have shown that released vultures in Nepal have high survival rates and are breeding successfully. These positive trends suggest that the environment in designated VSZs is relatively safe for vultures.Based on these efforts, the white-rumped vulture is experiencing a partial recovery. The species faced a catastrophic decline in the mid-1990s due to poisoning from the veterinary drug diclofenac, which caused kidney failure when vultures consumed the carcasses of treated livestock. In response, Nepal banned diclofenac in 2006 and promoted the use of the vulture-safe drug meloxicam. The ongoing Vulture Conservation Action Plan (VCAP) aims to maintain these gains and address emerging threats, including habitat degradation and electrocution. 

Despite all these efforts, the white-rumped vulture faces significant threats to its survival, including diclofenac poisoning, habitat loss, secondary poisoning from other harmful substances, and disturbances from human activities. It also includes breeding issues due to declining populations and genetic diversity. Climate change exacerbates these problems by altering habitats and weather patterns. Loss of nesting trees due to deforestation and land-use changes further impacts their breeding success. Additionally, food security is a major concern, as the decline in traditional food sources like livestock carcasses, Conservation efforts, including the establishment of vulture restaurants, aim to mitigate these threats.

It is crucial to expand and strengthen conservation efforts to further support the recovery of the white-rumped vulture. The increase in the number of Vulture Safe Zones and ensuring the strict enforcement of the ban on harmful NSAIDs will provide safer environments for these birds. Additionally, raising public awareness about the importance of vultures in the ecosystem can garner more community support for conservation initiatives. Enhancing habitat protection through reforestation and safeguarding nesting sites will also contribute to their survival. Collaborative efforts between governments, NGOs, and local communities are essential to secure a future for the white-rumped vulture in Nepal and beyond.