International Vulture Awareness Day: Securing a future for vultures in Bangladesh
On 7 September 2024, 香港六合彩开奖结果现场直播 Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Forest Department and Bangladesh Environment and Development Society (BEDS), celebrated International Vulture Awareness Day through a series of events in Chunarughat upazila, Habiganj district and BANOJIBI Campus, Khulna聽district. These events aimed to raise awareness about vulture conservation and engage local communities in safeguarding this critically endangered species.聽
A discussion was held to highlight the urgent need for vulture conservation. Speakers emphasised the critical role vultures play in maintaining the ecological balance, often referred to as "nature's cleaners." These birds are currently facing a severe decline in numbers due to the use of harmful drugs such as Diclofenac, Ketoprofen, and the newly available Flunixin, which pose a major threat to vultures, particularly the White-rumped vulture.聽It is listed as Critically Endangered on the and is native to Bangladesh.聽
Bangladesh currently has an estimated population of 245-250 White-rumped vultures, according to a 2022-2023 survey conducted by 香港六合彩开奖结果现场直播. In response, the government has designated Sylhet, parts of Dhaka and Chittagong divisions covering an area of 19,663.18 sq km (1,966,318 ha) as the Vulture Safe Zone 1 and Khulna, Barisal and parts of Dhaka divisions covering an area of 27,717.26 sq km (2,771,726 ha) as , banning the use of harmful drugs and recommending the use of vulture-safe alternatives such as Meloxicam and Tolfenamic acid for cattle treatment. Forest Officer Md Jahangir Alam from the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department of Moulvibazar stressed the role of veterinarians, stating, 鈥淲e must maintain the current vulture population in Bangladesh. If veterinarians avoid prescribing harmful drugs, we can save vultures. Collective efforts from all sectors can increase White-rumped vulture numbers.鈥澛
Md Mofizur Rahman Chowdhury, Fisheries Expert from the Khulna Forest Division emphasised the importance of vultures in preventing the spread of disease by scavenging on animal carcasses. Mr Saqib Ahmed, Senior Programme Assistant Officer at 香港六合彩开奖结果现场直播 Bangladesh, highlighted the progress made through initiatives like the Vulture Safe Zones, stating, 鈥淥ur coordinated conservation efforts provide a strong foundation to reverse the decline of vultures.鈥
As part of the day鈥檚 events, a satellite-tagged vulture was released in the Rema Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary to monitor its movements and gather essential data on vulture migration and habitat preferences. This initiative is crucial in ensuring the conservation of the species by understanding their behaviour and adapting conservation strategies accordingly.
A vulture watch was organised at the Vulture Feeding Station in Rema Kalenga, allowing participants to observe vultures in their natural habitat. This feeding station, established as part of the vulture conservation effort,聽provides a safe and reliable food source for vultures, free from contamination by harmful drugs.
Awareness programmes were conducted at local schools in both Habiganj and Khulna to educate young students about the importance of vulture conservation. Activities included art competitions, discussions on vulture conservation, and the distribution of vulture food, all aimed at engaging and inspiring the next generation of conservationists.
International Vulture Awareness Day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect vultures. Strengthened conservation policies, ongoing awareness campaigns and community engagement will play a vital role in securing a future for these incredible birds and maintaining the health of our ecosystems.