Centre okays MoU to save birds of prey

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 30

Marking a step that would help India gain knowledge about distressed and endangered species of birds of prey like vultures, the government today gave approval for signing an MoU for conservation of migratory birds of prey in Africa and Eurasia.

The “Raptor MoU”, as it is called, will help India gain knowledge in effectively managing habitats of 76 species of birds of prey of which 46 species, including vultures, falcons, eagles, owls, hawks, kites and harrier are also found in India.

The approval to sign the memoranda of understanding (MoU) on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia with the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) was given in a Cabinet meeting headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

With the signing of this MoU, India will become the 54th signatory to the MoU.

Concluded on October 22, 2008, the “Raptor MoU” that came into effect on November 1, 2008, is an agreement under Article IV paragraph 4 of the CMS. Though not legally binding, the understanding is about willingness of the signatory Range States for working for the conservation of the raptor species and their habitats. An action plan has been formulated that primarily envisages the conservation action for raptor species.

According to officials, the “Raptor MoU” is also in conformity with the provisions of the existing Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, wherein the birds have been accorded protection.