(IN): Vulture census shock

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Link: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071220/jsp/nation/story_8689147.jsp

 

Vulture census shock

- Blame on pollution, drugs for drastic fall

OUR CORRESPONDENT

 

Dhanbad, Dec. 19: Senior forest department officials, who were shaken by the

drastic fall in the population of vultures, are trying to devise ways to

increase their number.

 

The recent census report on vultures in the Dhanbad-Bokaro coal belt has put

their numbers at 75-80, spread over an area of 250sqkm of forest area.

 

Dhanbad divisional forest officer Sanjiv Kumar told The Telegraph: " Because

of the increasing industrial, medical and environmental pollution, use of

insecticides and intake of poisonous articles, including polythenes, these

winged creatures are dying fast. Eating the carcass of cattle shortens the

life span of vultures. "

 

These birds that feed on remains of dead animals, though commonly found till

a few years back, are now seldom spotted in Tundi, Topchanchi, Maithon,

Dugda, Chandrapura, Bokaro and Jharia.

 

A report regarding the census suggested ways to prevent the declining

population of the winged creatures to maintain the equilibrium of ecology.

 

State forest officials already sent the report to the Union ministry of

forests and environment.

 

This is only the second time after the state was formed that the census of

vultures along with other animals, including bear, pangolin, boars, hyena,

spotted deer was undertaken that started last winter . The census was

undertaken over an area of 20-25km.

 

Kumar added: " I feel sorry for the fast disappearing vultures, who help keep

the surroundings clean. "

 

The senior official said measures should be taken to help increase the

vulture population in the interest of mankind.

 

 

 

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