Aaranyak’s Vulture conservation outreach commends community efforts in Assam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 29, 2024

Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organization, has launched an outreach initiative to commend the contributions of community members in protecting vultures in Assam. This effort aims to inspire others to take up similar actions to safeguard the critically endangered vulture population in the state.

India is home to nine species of vultures, six of which are found in Assam. According to a report by Down to Earth magazine, significant vulture colonies are located in districts such as Sivasagar, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Kamrup, Kokrajhar, and Dhubri. However, human-induced threats, including habitat destruction and poisoning from cattle carcasses, have caused vulture populations to decline drastically, raising serious conservation concerns.

Aaranyak has recognized and honoured several individuals for their remarkable dedication to vulture conservation. Phuleswari Dutta, from Koraghat in Dhakuakhana, received an appreciation certificate earlier this December for preserving vulture nesting trees on her property. Despite economic challenges, she has resisted cutting down these trees, ensuring a safe breeding ground for the birds.

“I have a special affection for these birds,” Dutta said. “Though I’ve faced situations where I was compelled to cut down trees, I’ve avoided it for the sake of the vultures. As long as I live, I’ll protect these nesting trees.”

Rajen Mili, from Disangmukh in Sivasagar, was also commended for his unique initiative of collecting cattle carcasses to feed vultures, providing a critical food source for the species.

Aaranyak plans to honour eight more individuals from Sivasagar, Dhakuakhana, and Sadiya in Tinsukia district for their efforts in vulture conservation.

Vultures often receive less conservation attention compared to other bird species. Highlighting this disparity, Aaranyak’s Eastern Assam Zone Coordinator, Hiren Dutta, remarked, “Last year, we lost 30 vultures to poisoning in my area. Cattle carcass poisoning is a major threat, and only through mass public awareness campaigns can we reverse this trend.”

To address this, Aaranyak has initiated a mass awareness campaign targeting students and local communities. Six outreach programs have been conducted so far in – Dikhoumukh College, Na Katani High School, Geleki Triveni High School, Nazira Bartal High School, Mogarhat Gyan Bikash High School (Sivasagar district) and Harhi Academy High School (Dhakuakhana).

These programmes aim to educate future stewards and raise awareness about the ecological importance of vultures.

The initiative is spearheaded by Aaranyak’s Secretary General and CEO, Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, with senior conservation biologist Dr. Dipankar Lahkar, Outreach Facilitator Wasima Begum, and field coordinator Hiren Dutta. Local contributors such as Ramen Kalita, Michel Taye, Dipak Arandhara, Uddipta Gogoi, Achinta Borthakur, Joyjyoti Gogoi, Parama Dutta, Dhrubajyoti Chetia, and Ashraf Ahmed have played vital roles in supporting the outreach programs.

Aaranyak’s conservation outreach highlights the critical role community members play in protecting endangered species like vultures. By recognizing these unsung heroes and raising public awareness, the initiative paves the way for a broader, community-driven effort to secure the future of Assam’s vultures.