Vulture population growing steadily across Nepal

By Avinash Chaudhary,Dhangadhi, Feb. 27: Vultures, which are among the fastest-declining species after dinosaurs, are recording slight signs of population growth.

This positive trend is attributed to conservation activities conducted by various stakeholders, including government agencies and concerned organisations. 

According to the Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), the number of vulture nests has increased with a gradual growth of their population. 

In 2008, the number of vulture nests in the country was between 40 and 50. By 2022, the number increased to over 500. 

BCN Project Officer Bhupal Nepali said that more than 150 nests have been found in Sudurpashchim Province alone. 

“The situation is improving compared to the past. Over 100 nests have been discovered in Shuklaphanta National Park alone,” he said. 

It is said that vultures lay only one egg per nest and raise only one chick per year.

A study conducted between 2002 and 2011 revealed a 91 per cent decline in the population of White-rumped Vultures and 96 per cent in Slender-billed Vultures. 

In response to this alarming decline, the Government of Nepal banned the sale and distribution of Diclofenac on June 6, 2006.

Research showed that vultures died after consuming the carcasses of livestock treated with Diclofenac. Following Nepal’s lead, other countries also banned the drug. Vultures play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by acting as nature's scavengers.

Nine species of vultures are found in Nepal. Among them, the native species—Red-headed Vulture, White-rumped Vulture and Slender-billed Vulture—are classified as critically endangered. Their populations are estimated at 500, 2,000 and 75, respectively.

Similarly, native species like Egyptian Vulture, Himalayan Griffon and Bearded Vulture are considered near-threatened. Migratory species, including Cinereous Vulture, Eurasian Griffon and Long-billed Vulture, are also found in Nepal. These critically endangered species are known to visit Nepal seasonally.

Despite the ban on the use of Diclofenac, the continued use of other harmful drugs like Ketoprofen and Nimesulide remains a challenge for vulture conservation, according to BCN Field Officer Hirulal Dagaura.

He also said that vultures in Sudurpashchim Province frequently migrate between Nepal and various regions of India, especially during the breeding season. “There is a positive trend in areas with cow protection centres, where the presence of vultures and nests is increasing,” he added.

To support vulture conservation, seven vulture restaurants have been established in different locations across Nepal. These feeding sites have significantly contributed to the conservation efforts.

Participants at a recent event stressed the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to protect vultures. Nepal is currently implementing a five-year action plan for vulture conservation.

Bharat Shrestha, spokesperson and forest officer at the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, said that laws are in place to prevent the felling of trees on which the vultures weave nests.

Conservationist Bijay Raj Shrestha highlighted that a past campaign to collect slingshots in Kailali helped in bird conservation.