Prelims – Current events of National and International importance| Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity.
Why in News?
Recently, an Assam-based foundation launched the India’s first vulture conservation portal.
The Vulture Network – It is a cloud-based portal designed to serve as a comprehensive knowledge and awareness platform on vultures of India.
It is the first of its kind in India to build a network of individuals engaged in saving the large scavenger birds.
Launched by –We Foundation India collaboration with Gauhati University’s Department of Zoology.
Supported by –Assam Bird Monitoring Network, LASA Foundation, Suraksha Samitee, and Bihongo Bondhu and local conservationists.
Aim –To highlight the importance of vultures and the urgent need for their conservation.
Purpose –It was developed to compile scientific information, spread awareness, and provide freely downloadable outreach materials for conducting awareness.
It focuses on the threats of carcass poisoning, harmful veterinary drugs such as diclofenac, and negative social perceptions, which continue to drive vulture population decline.
Languages –It was on disseminating information in local languages, beginning with Assamese.
Awareness Day –International Vulture Awareness Day, which is observed every year on the first Saturday of September.
Moment of Crisis –India’s vultures are vanishing at an alarming rate silently poisoned by certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID),used for veterinary purposes.
The vultures arepushed to the brink by shrinking habitats and toxic food sources.
Special emphasis – The program specially focuses on the slender-billed vulture, which has only about 800 mature individuals left.
