Away from the cacophony of Guwahati city, yet close to it, is established a ‘Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC)’- at Rani. With the Meghalaya’s beautiful hills backdrop, it spreads over 2 hectors of Assam Forest Department’s land that falls in the Jorasal Reserve Forest in Rani Range. Tiny villages like Belguri, Nalapara, Mairapur are spread around with their paddy fields and Arica nut orchards giving a picturesque rural landscape on both sides of the dusty road. Hidden from the modern world, the VCBC works for a noble cause- Vulture Conservation!
Our vulture conservation efforts started long back- more than couple of decades when we begun surveys and study of vultures. After noticing the decline in the vulture population, we undertook intensive surveys and breeding programs-as the last way to save the population. The task ahead was (and still is!) challenging and path was unbeaten. When we began, there was no information on the surveys and breeding data available in Indian scenario. The vultures were the most neglected birds and considered as vermin and ill-omen! Yet, their help to mankind by cleaning up the cattle carcasses and keeping the human habitat safe from various diseases is noteworthy. The scientists realized the role of Vultures in day-to-day life of us and decided to help the ‘Jatayu’ –the vulture who helped us!
In India, we have four VCBCs established and the VCBC at Rani is the only one representing the Northeast India. It is established in 2007. We have to construct aviaries for vultures that would be scientific and fulfilling the requirements of vultures.
First of all, the area was demarcated by perimeter electric fence which also keeps wild and domestic animals away. Being an elephant prone area, it was a necessary appliance. Step by step, the aviaries for vultures were developed. As per their use, the aviaries- the houses where vultures are kept are named as nursery, holding, hospital and colony aviary. We have currently five small aviaries and a huge colony aviary. The colony is the aviary mainly used for maintaining breeding birds and keeping them as wild as they are in nature.
The Closed-Circuit Television Camera installed in the colony aviary serves to monitors the vultures and their activities without disturbing them.
The main challenge was to collect vultures for the breeding stock. We collected young vultures as well as received rescued vultures from all over the state. Once arrived to the breeding centre, the vultures are given identification number. They are fitted with a light PVC ring with code number that can be read easily with necked eye and binocular. Also, a microchip is fitted that give the individual unique identification number for lifelong. The new vultures are quarantined- kept separate from the previous vultures for at least forty-five days. During the period, they are checked for presence of diseases, injuries and their overall health status. Then, the birds are brought to the main aviaries where they are kept in flock. Colony aviaries an ideal aviary, where they can flap fly, stay in flock, feed together and most important-they built their own nest themselves!
It take quite a long time- about five years to mature and start successful breeding. During the breeding, once a pair is formed, the breeding activities go on for more than half of the year. That includes nest building and pair bonding, almost two months for incubation and four months in raising the young up- really hectic schedule for the birds! Not only for birds but it’s a test of patience for the staff of VCBC, and a successful breeding is the only confirmatory test of our ‘vulture rearing and maintenance’ practices. Even in nature, breeding commences only when everything is alright as it’s the most energy consuming process requiring high commitment from both partners!
The year 2012 has special significance for the VCBC, Rani as this year saw the first successful breeding of both species- White-backed and Slender-billed vulture. These were mainly the rescued birds and hence the breeding was a bit early than expectation. Since then, we have about 75 vultures born and raised in captivity. Currently, the VCBC hosts 47 Slender-billed and 97 White-rumped vultures.
Our goal is to breed theses and release them back from where they were collected. It would be reintroduction to their very home-when the threat to their life is removed. Our studies have found that the use of drug diclofenac is the main cause of vulture death in India. Recently two more drugs aceclofenac and ketoprofen were banned in the veterinary field for the safety of vultures. Assam is facing another threat for vultures- poison bait. The animal carcasses thrown out with pesticide on it causes immense damage to vulture population. Such irresponsible acts should be stopped urgently to save our vultures. To create a safe abode for vultures we really need everybody’s support. The vultures have served mankind for thousands of years, now it’s our turn!
