Title
A decade of vulture conservation in Nepal
Author(s)
Paudel, Khadananda ;Galligan, Toby H. ;Bhusal, Krishna P.;Thapa, Ishana;Cuthbert, Richard J.;Bowden, Christopher G. R.;Shah, Racchya;Pradhan, Narendra M. B.
Published
2016
Abstract
Nine species of vultures have been recorded in Nepal. Seven species have undergone considerable
decline in recent years and have had their global threat status lifted. In Nepal, the non-steroidal antiinflammatory
drug diclofenac, to which vultures are highly intolerant, but exposed to through the
carcasses of treated livestock, caused massive declines in vulture populations. In order to halt the
declines, veterinary diclofenac was banned, Vulture Conservation Action Plans for Nepal (2009-13
and 2015-19) were prepared and implemented, and Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) and the Royal
Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) assumed the mantle of vulture conservation. BCN-RSPB
initiated an integrated approach, which involved advocacy, education, monitoring, research, captive
breeding, supplementary feeding and site protection. BCN-RSPB established a Vulture Conservation
Breeding Centre and pioneered Diclofenac-Free Districts, Vulture Safe Feeding Sites and Vulture
Safe Zones. The provisional Vulture Safe Zone in Nepal covers more than half of the country with
essentially no diclofenac available. In response, vulture populations are stable and nest numbers are
likely to be increasing. However, vultures remain vulnerable; therefore, conservation actions need to
continue.
Keywords
vulture;considerable decline;Vulture Safe Zone;Diclofenac Free Districts;Vulture Safe Feeding Sites;captive breeding.
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