Experts in Palampur stress need to safeguard vultures for ecological balance

Leading national and international experts deliberated on the urgent need for coordinated and sustainable vulture conservation strategies at a workshop organised by Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar (CSK) Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, at Dr GC Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences on Thursday. Internationally-renowned conservation biologist Chris Bowden, senior veterinarian and avian wildlife conservationist Percy Avari and noted ornithologist Malyasri Bhattacharya highlighted the ecological, veterinary and public health importance of vultures.

During technical sessions, the experts said that Kangra district supported a relatively healthy vulture population due to the availability of safe feeding sites. They emphasised the need to protect and strengthen such habitats. They elaborated on the critical ecological role of vultures as efficient scavengers that prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, tuberculosis and plague.

A major concern discussed was the adverse impact of some veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including Diclofenac, Nimesulide and Aceclofenac, which had been linked to the severe decline in the vulture population in South Asia. Veterinary practitioners were urged to adopt vulture-safe alternatives in livestock treatment.

Students enthusiastically participated in an interactive online quiz on vulture conservation and prizes were given away to the top performers. Vice-Chancellor Ashok Kumar Panda appreciated the organising team and underscored the importance of scientific collaboration and responsible veterinary practices in safeguarding endangered species. He said that urgent efforts were needed to protect nature’s clean-up crew. Ankur Sharma, Assistant Professor (Veterinary Medicine) and Devesh Thakur, Assistant Professor (Veterinary Extension) coordinated the workshop.

The programme concluded with a collective call for sustained research, policy support, responsible veterinary interventions and active community participation to ensure long-term vulture conservation and ecological balance in the region.