Uttar Pradesh Unveils World's First Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre

Tags: State News

On 6 September 2024, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre in the Bharivaisi, Campierganj Range of the Gorakhpur Forest Division.

An Overview of the News

• The centre is the world's first dedicated conservation and breeding facility for the Asian King Vulture (red-headed vulture).

• While there are other vulture conservation centres named Jatayu in India, they cater to all vulture species, not just the Asian King Vulture.

• During the ceremony, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the state Forest Department to establish a forestry college in Gorakhpur.

Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre Details:

• Location: Maharajganj, Gorakhpur forest division.

• Area: Spreads over 1.5 hectares.

• Cost: Built at a cost of Rs 2.8 crore.

• Facilities: Includes bird cages, a juvenile nursery, a hospital and recovery facility, and a food processing centre.

• Special Features: Contains an incubation centre to artificially rear vulture eggs to ensure 100% success.

Breeding and Release:

• Breeding: The Asian King Vulture pairs for life and the female lays one egg annually.

• Release Plan: The centre aims to release 40 pairs of vultures over the next 8 to 10 years.

• Current Residents: Six king vultures (one male and five females) are currently housed at the centre.

Status and Conservation Efforts for the King Vulture

• Scientific Name: Sarcogyps calvus

• Location: Mainly found in North India

• Conservation Status: Critically endangered according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)

• Threats:
  

  • Loss of habitat

  • Exposure to diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in animals

• Impact of Diclofenac:

  • Vultures ingesting diclofenac-contaminated meat suffer from head/neck drooping syndrome

  • Infected vultures ultimately die

• Conservation Efforts:

  • Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre has set up a food processing center to prevent vultures from consuming contaminated meat