Five vultures die after consuming poisoned carcasses

By Bom Lal Giri, Nawalpur, Feb. 21: Four Dungar and one Mountain vultures were found dead on the banks of the Lokaha River in Kawasoti-1, Nawalpur, on Monday. 

The five endangered vultures have died of insecticide poisoning after consuming the poison-contaminated carcass of a wild fox. Likewise, one Golden and six Dungar vultures were discovered in critical condition, as reported by DB Chaudhary, the president of Jatayu Restaurant.

Chaudhary revealed that among the affected vultures, a Dungar vulture is currently in life-threatening condition, having ingested the flesh of a deceased fox. Two dead foxes were also discovered at the scene. Preliminary investigations by Chaudhary indicated poisoning as the cause of death of foxes and vultures.

The distressing discovery was reported by locals who spotted dead vultures along the Lokaha River bank. Chaudhary said that the post-mortem on the dead vultures was scheduled for Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, the ailing vulture would receive immediate care at the scene before being transported to Jatayu Restaurant.

This incident follows a prior tragedy on April 12 last year, where 17 vultures died in the vicinity of the Kerunge River in Kawasoti 3 of Nawalpur after ingesting poisoned carcass. 

Jatayu campaigners assert that the vultures, in previous cases, got killed after consuming poisoned meat from cows and dogs. However, this marks the first instance in Nepal where vultures have died after consuming meat from wild animals.

Residents in the district allegedly used pesticides to eliminate wild animals such as foxes and husky dogs leading to vultures ingesting the toxins after consuming the animals. Authorities from Jatayu Restaurant, the Division Forest Office, and the District Police Office, Nawalpur, engaged in vulture conservation efforts, have promptly rescued and treated the affected vultures.

Police Inspector Sajan Sharma from District Police Office, Nawalpur, assured that a thorough investigation is underway. If anyone is found responsible for intentionally poisoning the foxes, appropriate action will be taken. 

Jatayu Restaurant, operating for the conservation of vultures, has played a pivotal role in reviving the vulture population in the Pitholi area of Kawasoti Municipality. Despite setbacks caused by a lack of awareness about the dangers of using poison to eliminate wild beasts, the vulture conservation campaign remains steadfast in its mission.