Asia's first Gyps Vulture Reintroduction Programme launched

The Haryana Government on 3 June 2016 launched Asia's First Gyps Vulture Reintroduction Programme at Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre, Pinjore.

The breeding and conservation of vultures is a significant step in the direction of saving the endangered species.

Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar jointly released two Himalayan Griffons into the wild from the Conservation Centre.

Conservation of Vultures

• The Union Government became prominent vulture breeding and conservation centre in India after successfully breeding Himalayan Griffon Vultures.

•It is the old world vulture in the family of Accipitridae-in captivity.

• Many vultures disappeared due to Diclofenac which is a pain killer drug given to cattle that can kill birds.

• When vultures feed on the carcasses of animals with Diclofenac, they also die.

• At present, the drug is banned in India.

• Vultures play a vital role in keeping the environment clean, their breeds should be increased and the government is constantly working to increase their numbers.

Himalayan Griffon Vultures

• The Himalayan Griffon is closely related to the critically endangered resident Gyps species of vultures but is not endangered.

• Two Himalayan Griffons in captivity for over 10 years and in the aviary with resident Gyps vultures.

• These birds were wing-tagged and were leg-ringed for identification.

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