It is well known to us that every organism has a crucial role in the ecosystem. The imbalance in any of the organisms will result in imbalance in the ecosystem. I attended an Awareness program on bird conservation last month and I want to share about the importance of vultures here. Vultures are scavenging creatures found all over the world except in Australia and Antarctica. Their types are divided into Old World Vulture ( found in Asia, Africa and Europe) and New World Vulture  ( found in America).

Biology and their role in environment:
Vultures do not prey but they feed on dead animals. They have special biological mechanism through which the harmful insect pests present in the decayed flesh can be easily destroyed rendering no any harm to the body of the vultures. Presence of vultures thus helps in cleaner environment.

Present status of vultures
They are at an alarmingly decreasing rate. Many species like White backed vultures, Slender-billed vultures are in endangered state.

Causes of decline
One of the major causes of decline is the loss of habitat brought about by deforestation. Other causes are chemicals like diclofenac and pollution.

What should be done?
Since vultures are important bio-cleansers, protection and conservation actions should be initiated. Use of safe chemical drug and initiation of breeding programs are other options.

In Nepal many national and international bird conservation organizations are taking fruitful initiatives for the conservation of vultures. It is important to understand the importance of vultures in cleaner environment so that they can be conserved and protected.

photo source: google.com