By Samina Chaudhary
Vultures, often overlooked and misunderstood, are nature’s unsung heroes. These majestic birds glide effortlessly on thermal updrafts and digest decaying meat, playing an irreplaceable role in maintaining ecological balance. However, in recent decades, the vulture population in Pakistan has plummeted, raising concerns for both biodiversity and climate stability. The decline of vultures represents not just the loss of a species but a significant threat to environmental health.
As specialized scavengers, vultures are uniquely adapted to consume carcasses in various stages of decay. Their robust digestive systems enable them to neutralize dangerous pathogens that could otherwise spread diseases. This function is crucial as vultures prevent the spread of anthrax, rabies, and tuberculosis by cleaning up dead animals before they can become sources of infection. Additionally, by recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, vultures promote soil health and plant growth. This natural recycling process is vital for maintaining ecosystem balance, especially where other scavengers are less effective.
Regrettably, vultures in Pakistan are facing a dramatic decline, with some species now critically endangered. Since the mid-1990s, the population of several vulture species has decreased by over 95%, a staggering loss with severe environmental implications. Surveys conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and local organizations have identified Tharparkar in Sindh as one of the last strongholds for these birds. The region, which was surveyed across Sindh province, revealed Tharparkar as a key sanctuary with over 450 vultures of various species. However, this number is a mere fraction of what it once was, and their future remains uncertain.
Several factors contribute to the vulture decline, primarily the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Diclofenac in livestock. Vultures ingesting carcasses from treated animals suffer renal failure, leading to a rapid population decline. Despite the 2006 ban on Diclofenac, its use persists, along with other harmful NSAIDs like aceclofenac and ketoprofen, continuing to threaten vulture populations. Additionally, changing livestock disposal practices and improved road networks have reduced the availability of carcasses for vultures. This shortage has forced many to migrate to neighboring India, where traditional practices still provide a food source. Habitat degradation further exacerbates the issue. The cutting of nesting trees for fodder and fuelwood, particularly in Nagarparkar, has destroyed essential breeding grounds. The Karoonjhar Mountains, historically the sole breeding ground for Long-billed vultures in Pakistan, have also suffered from habitat loss, endangering the species further.
In response, several conservation initiatives have been launched. The Sindh Wildlife Department, in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan, established a Vulture Safe Zone (VSZ) in 2012, covering 100 kilometers in Nagarparkar to protect the remaining breeding populations of endangered White-backed and Long-billed vultures. The IUCN, with support from the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), has conducted extensive surveys to monitor vulture populations and habitats, identifying the Gorano wetland in Tharparkar as a potential vulture safe zone. Over 425 vultures of various species were spotted there, though these efforts face challenges such as continued use of harmful veterinary drugs and habitat degradation.
Education and awareness campaigns are essential for the success of these conservation efforts. Many livestock owners are unaware of the dangers posed by NSAIDs and continue using them without understanding the consequences. Stricter enforcement of drug bans and the promotion of safer alternatives like Meloxicam are crucial. Habitat protection and restoration must be intensified, including creating more Vulture Safe Zones, protecting nesting trees, and restoring degraded habitats. Establishing captive breeding programs, such as at the Gyps Vulture Conservation Centre in Changa Manga Forest Reserve, is also vital for the survival of critically endangered species.
Greater research into factors affecting vulture populations, particularly in Tharparkar, is needed to develop effective conservation strategies. Recognizing and integrating vultures’ role in mitigating climate change into broader environmental policies is crucial, as they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by preventing methane release from decaying carcasses. Protecting vultures is not just about saving a species; it’s about preserving the natural processes that regulate our climate.
Vultures are more than scavengers; they are essential to maintaining ecosystem balance, preventing disease spread, and mitigating climate change. The decline of their populations in Pakistan serves as a warning of environmental risks. Through dedicated conservation efforts, stricter regulations, and increased public awareness, there is hope that these magnificent birds can be saved from extinction. The survival of vultures is not only a matter of biodiversity but also crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of life on Earth and ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.
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