World's First Asian King Vulture conservation centre opens in UP

Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh), June 20: Uttar Pradesh is set to establish the world’s first conservation and breeding centre for Asian king vultures in Maharajganj, according to a senior forest official.

The facility, named Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre, aims to boost the population of the critically endangered species, listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list since 2007.

S.K. Sharma, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and head of Uttar Pradesh's forest force, announced, "This is the world’s first centre dedicated to the breeding and conservation of the Asian king vulture, also known as the red-headed vulture. The centre is now ready for formal inauguration."

Currently, the centre houses a pair of male and female vultures. "Three more females, who are in the aviary, will gradually receive their male counterparts," said Durgesh Nandan, the scientific officer at the centre. The aviary measures 20 feet by 30 feet.

The centre’s staff includes a scientific officer and a biologist who provide round-the-clock monitoring of the vultures. "Vultures form lifelong partnerships and lay only one egg per year, making their monitoring a top priority," Nandan explained.

Asian king vultures face endangerment due to habitat loss and the use of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in domestic animals, which is poisonous to vultures. The centre ensures the birds are fed twice a week, each consuming around three kilos of meat.

The primary goal is to ensure the health of the vultures and facilitate natural pairing. Once a female lays an egg, the pair will be released into their natural environment. "We replicate their natural habitat here to ensure they face no issues when reintroduced to the wild," Nandan added. Entry to the enclosure is restricted to the keeper and monitored via CCTV.

Red-headed vultures are rarely seen in Uttar Pradesh, with sightings reported in Chitrakoot in 2023. The first vulture arrived at the centre on December 30, 2022, followed by another. The centre plans to acquire two more female vultures soon.

Other vulture conservation and breeding centres in India focus on long-billed and white-backed vultures, according to officials.