Vulture Conservation in Asia

Transcription

1 Proceedings of the Regional Symposium on Vulture Conservation in Asia 30 May 2016, Karachi, Pakistan 1

2 Contents Call for Papers 5 Agenda 8 Paper 1: An overview of recent advances and priorities for vulture conservation in the South Asia region 10 Abstract 10 Background and the formation of the SAVE consortium partnership 10 SAVE Blueprint and annually reviewed priorities 11 SAVE priorities for Asian vulture conservation for A call to action for emerging priority threats to vultures in the region Veterinary NSAIDs Aceclofenac 12 Nimesulide 13 Ketoprofen 13 Diclofenac 13 Wider solutions 13 References 14 Paper 2: Vulture Conservation initiatives of WWF-Pakistan 15 Executive Summary 15 Introduction 16 WWF-Pakistan supported vulture studies prior to the GVRP 16 Conservation of Vultures in District Mianwali: a feasibility study 16 Under the Gyps Vulture Restoration Project, the following activities have been conducted so far: 17 Ex situ Conservation: 17 In situ Conservation (Vulture Safe Zone, Nagar Parkar) 17 Plans for References: 21 Paper 3: Status and distribution of vultures in Sindh 22 Abstract 22 Introduction 22 Distribution of Vultures in Pakistan 23 Materials and Methods 24 2

3 Potential Sites 27 Conclusion 30 Priority Actions 31 Acknowledgements: 31 Paper 4: Establishment and management of community-based Vulture Safe Zones (VSZ) in Bangladesh 33 Vulture Safe Zone Declaration Process in Bangladesh 34 Population Census 35 Pharmacy Survey 36 Institutional Mechanism 37 Conclusion 37 References 38 Paper 5: A decade of vulture conservation in Nepal 39 Abstract 39 Introduction 39 Conservation actions in Nepal 40 In-situ Conservation 40 Ex-situ Conservation 41 Achievements 42 Conclusions and Recommendations 43 References 44 Paper 6: Impact of vulture conservation efforts in western lowlands Terai of Nepal 46 Abstract 46 Introduction 47 Methods 47 Study Area 47 Data Collection Methods 47 Results 48 Current Population of Vultures in Lowlands 48 Nesting Status of Resident and Seasonal Visitors of Nepal 49 Habitat use by vulture species of Nepal in the Lowlands 49 Tree Species Used by Vultures for Roosting 49 Tree Species Use by the WRV for Nesting 50 3

4 Results from Household Questionnaire Survey 51 Local people s opinion: Vulture Conservation Initiatives 51 Awareness level on harmful impact of veterinary drug Diclofenac 51 Use of Diclofenac for treating livestock 51 Status of vulture after the launch of conservation programs 52 Forest product collection and environmental changes in locality after VCPs 52 Discussion 52 Population Trend of Vultures in the Lowlands 52 Nesting Trend of Vulture in Lowland 53 Habitat Use by Vulture Species 53 Awareness Level of the Local People regarding Vulture Conservation 54 Opportunities and livelihood support provided by VCPs 54 Conclusion 54 Recommendations 55 Acknowledgement 55 References 56 4

5 Call for Papers Call for Papers Regional Symposium on Vulture Conservation in Asia Introduction: Vultures appeared on earth million years ago. Fossil records found from Argentina show that the ancient vultures had wingspan of 23 feet (7 meters). Vultures remained part of ancient beliefs and folklore and were much respected in Pharaohs era and today vultures are also considered as integral part of some cultures in South Asia and Africa. Globally 23 species of vultures are found which are further divided into two groups new world vultures (7 Species) and old world vultures (16 species) and are generally called as falconiforms. New world vultures are found from southern Canada to the tip of Southern America. Old vultures are found in Africa, Europe and Asia. Vultures make their home in every continent except Antarctica. Old world vultures and new world vultures use the same ecological niche. Nine species of vultures are found in South Asian countries and among these eight species are found in Pakistan. Vultures in wild can live up to 38 years and in captivity they can live up to 42 years. Vultures are large, short-tailed, solitary birds and are part of the group of birds of prey, specialized in eating the bodies of the dead animals therefore have adaptations or skills suited to the scavenger way of life. Vultures migrate over large geographical ranges, and therefore their conservation and protection in their habitats through which they travel, feed and nest is essential. Vultures are valued for their ecological, social and cultural significance. Vultures scavenge on animal carcasses/carrion, thereby helping keep the earth, water resources and environment clean. Vultures provide prime ecosystem services as top cleaners in cities, villages, and countryside. It was noticed back in the nineties that vultures were disappearing from the landscapes, skies and rotting carrions were not being attended to by these scavengers. Out of nine species four have been listed as critically endangered on IUCN Red list. South Asia s populations of long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus), slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) and white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) have declined by more than 90 per cent since the early 1990s. Vultures have appeared to be one of the fastest declining bird species in the world. The mystery was unfolded by a research study conducted in Dholewala and Changa Manga forest during by the Ornithological Society of Pakistan, which confirmed the use of Diclofenac sodium (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) in the livestock sector as the main cause of vulture death, and therefore a speedy decline in the vulture population. Responding to the situation, the manufacturing and use of veterinary Diclofenac has been banned in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. In Pakistan, the ban was imposed in 2006 and an alternative veterinary drug Meloxicam was registered. In 2012, IUCN supported in constitution of Asia Regional Steering Committee which was followed by a National Vulture Recovery Committee notified by the 5

6 Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan, to improve national level coordination for saving the endangered vulture species. IUCN Pakistan in collaboration with Baanhn Beli under the Preparation of Nation Vulture Conservation Strategy Project, which is funded by USAID Small Grants and Ambassador s Fund Program, is organizing a Regional Symposium on Vultures tentatively in last of week of May 2016 in Karachi, Pakistan. The project is being implemented with the collaboration of Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan, and Sindh Wildlife Department, Government of Sindh. The Regional Symposium will invite experts from the regional countries in Asia involved in vulture conservation for sharing their experiences and lessons learnt in vulture conservation, and to explore opportunities for strengthening regional cooperation in conservation of vultures and their habitats. The papers presented at the workshop will be published in the form of proceedings and uploaded on the websites of IUCN ( The tentative Symposium schedule consists of an inaugural session followed by technical sessions and a closing session. 2. Aims and objectives: i. Sharing of knowledge, experiences and lessons learnt in vulture conservation at the regional level. ii. iii. Explore opportunities for regional cooperation in conservation of vultures and their habitats. Create awareness on importance of vultures and threats facing them. 3. Call for Abstracts and selection of papers and presenters: The potential keynote speakers and presenters from regional countries and nationally, are invited to submit papers on the following workshop themes: i. Conservation of vultures. ii. iii. iv. Ecology and breeding biology. Socio-economic value Education, awareness, advocacy. v. Population dynamics, migration patterns and monitoring. vi. Management, policy and legislation. The interested speakers and presenters shall submit abstracts (of about 500 words). The abstracts should contain the following information: Name Title of the Paper Brief introduction to the research topic Method of research Main findings and discussion The abstracts must be received by IUCN focal point by 27 March, The abstracts must be submitted in English. The abstracts should be submitted through at mirbahar.nadeem@iucn.org with a copy to ghulam.qadirshah@iucn.org by the deadline. 6

7 4. Evaluation of Abstracts and Submission of Full Papers The abstracts will be evaluated by a panel of experts (the Scientific Committee) which will decide on the acceptance of the abstracts. High quality abstracts will be selected by the Scientific Committee. The deadline for submission of full papers is 17 April, The authors of selected papers will be invited to present their papers at the Symposium. 5. Financial Assistance Limited numbers of full or partial sponsorships are available for participants from regional countries to cover costs of their economy air travel, stay and food during the workshop. Priority will be given to those who will be presenting papers at the Symposium, and particularly to those participants who are able to cover costs of their participation in the Symposium partially or fully. 6. Medical Insurance: The participants are requested to make their own arrangements regarding medical insurance. IUCN undertakes no responsibility in respect to life, accident, travel, medical or any insurance coverage of the participants. 7. Contact: In case of any queries, please feel free to contact us: Nadeem Mirbahar Natural Resource Management Coordinator /Symposium Coordinator IUCN Pakistan IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) 1 Bath Island Road, Karachi 75530, Pakistan Tel ; Fax Mobile: mirbahar.nadeem@iucn.org or Ghulam Qadir Shah MFF Pakistan National Coordinator/Symposium Supervisor IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) 1 Bath Island Road Karachi, Pakistan Tel ; Fax ; Mobile: ghulam.qadirshah@iucn.org 7

8 Agenda AGENDA REGIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON VULTURE CONSERVATION IN ASIA MONDAY, 30 MAY 2016 KARACHI PAKISTAN Inaugural Session 9:30 10:00 Inaugural Registration and networking 10:00 10:05 Welcome Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative, IUCN Pakistan 10:05 10:15 Vulture Project Overview Mohammad Khan Mari, Baanhn Beli Nadeem Mirbahar, IUCN Pakistan 10:15 10:25 Documentary Mr. Danish Rashdi, Program Coordinator IUCN Pakistan 10:25 10:35 Regional perspective on Vultures Dr. Scott Perkin, Head, Natural Resources Group, IUCN Asia 10:35 10:45 Remarks by Ms. Aban Marker Kabraji Regional Director, IUCN Asia 10:45 10:55 Remarks by Syed Abu Ahmad Akif, Secretary Ministry of Climate Change, Islamabad 10:55 11:05 Speech by Chief Guest Senator, Mr. Saleem Zia Member Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change 11:05 11:10 Vote of Thanks Mr. Danish Rashdi, Program Coordinator IUCN Pakistan 11:10 11:05 Group Photo 11:05 11:25 Tea/Refreshments 8

9 TECHNICAL SESSION 1: Chair: Syed Abu Ahmad Akif, Secretary Ministry of Climate Change, Islamabad Co-chair: Ms. Aban Marker Kabraji Regional Director, IUCN Asia Rapporteur: Dr. Scott Perkin, Head, Natural Resources Group, IUCN Asia 11:25-11:55* Paper 1: Conservation priorities for vulture conservation in Asia 11:55-12:25* Paper 2: The review of vulture conservation work of WWF-Pakistan Dr. Chris Bowden, United Kingdom/ Dr. Scott Perkin, Head, Natural Resources Group, IUCN Asia t Dr. Uzma Khan/ Ms. Warda Javed WWF-Pakistan 12:25-12:55* Paper 3: Status of Vultures in Sindh Dr. Syed Ali Ghalib/Dr. Fehmida Firdous, Pakistan 12:55-14:00 Lunch TECHNICAL SESSION 2: Chair: Syed Mahmood Nasir, Inspector General Forests, MoCC, Isalamad Co-chair: Ishtiaq Uddin Ahmad, Country Representative IUCN Bangladesh Rapporteur: Dr. N M Ishwar, Programme Coordinator, IUCN India Office 14:00-14:30* Paper 4: Conservation Efforts in Saving the Critically Endangered Gyps species of Vultures in India 14:30-15:00* Paper 5: Establishment and Management of Community-based Vulture Safe Zones (VSZ) in Bangladesh 15:00-15:30* Paper 6: A review on vulture conservation actions in Nepal 15:30-16:00* Paper 7: Impact of vulture conservation efforts in western lowlands Terai of Nepal SESSION 3: Closing Ceremony Dr. Vibhu Prakash/ Dr. N M Ishwar India Mr. A.B.M. Sarowar Alam, Bangladesh Mr. Khadananda Paudel, Nepal Mr. Surya Man Shrestha, Nepal 16:00-16:10 Workshop Summary Dr. Scott Perkin, Head, Natural Resources Group, IUCN Asia 16:10-16:30 Remarks by Regional Representatives (Bangladesh, India, Nepal & SAVE) Regional Representatives (5 minutes each) 16:30-16:40 Remarks by Ms. Aban Marker Kabraji, Regional Director IUCN Asia 16:40-16:50 Closing Remarks by Chief Guest Mr. Arif Ahmed Khan Secretary, Ministry of Interior 16:50-17:00 Vote of Thanks Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative, IUCN Pakistan 17:00 Tea and Refreshments 9

10 Paper 1: An overview of recent advances and priorities for vulture conservation in the South Asia region By: Christopher G. R. Bowden 1, Toby H. Galligan 2, Vibhu Prakash 3, Khadananda Paudel 4, Richard Cuthbert 5 & Rhys E. Green 2 1 Globally Threatened Species Recovery Unit, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, SG19 2DL UK, Programme Manager of Saving Asia s Vultures from Extinction (SAVE), Co-Chair of IUCN Vulture Specialist Group. Chris.Bowden@rspb.org.uk 2 RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, SG19 2DL UK 3 Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, Mumbai, India. 4 Bird Conservation Nepal, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal 5 Wildlife Conservation Society, PO Box 277, Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. Abstract Since the most recent annual meeting of the SAVE Partnership in November 2015 there have been two significant scientific publications further highlighting the threats posed by non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). One shows that aceclofenac is a pro-drug of diclofenac, which is converted to diclofenac in cattle, and is therefore as toxic to vultures as diclofenac itself. Another publication reports that some wild vultures found dead in India had visceral gout and residues of nimesulide in their tissues. This combination of gout and NSAID in wild vultures has only been found previously for diclofenac and therefore provides a strong indication that nimesulide is toxic to vultures. Further details of these studies are presented, along with updates on the recent ban of large vials of diclofenac for human use by the Government of India with the reasons for why this is so important to fully implement in all range states. It will also be noted that, even though a study published in 2009 showed that the ketoprofen is toxic to vultures, veterinary use of this NSAID has not yet been banned in any vulture range state in the region, though Bangladesh recently took the step to ban its use in the two declared Vulture Safe Zones and is considering a wider ban. There is also a local initiative in Tamil Nadu, India, to ban ketoprofen. The situation regarding aceclofenac, ketoprofen and nimesulide highlights the continuing lack of an effective regulatory regime to prevent vulture-toxic NSAIDs, and those of uncertain toxicity, entering the market and becoming widespread veterinary medicines. Background and the formation of the SAVE consortium partnership In the early 2000s it was discovered that the NSAID diclofenac administered to domesticated ungulates at a standard veterinary dose was highly toxic to captive vultures that fed on contaminated carcasses (Oaks et al. 2004; Swan et al. 2006). Vultures died within a few days from kidney failure and were found to have extensive visceral gout (deposits of uric acid in the tissues) at necroscopic examination. Until recently, all vultures found dead in the wild with visceral gout in Pakistan, India and Nepal have had traces of diclofenac in the liver or kidney (Schultz et al. 2004). Surveys of the quantity of diclofenac in tissues of cattle carcasses available to vultures at carcass dumps in India in showed that diclofenac provided a more than sufficient explanation of the catastrophic vulture population declines (over 99%) across South Asia since the widespread introduction of veterinary diclofenac in 1994 (Green et al. 2004, 2007). Since 2006, there have been attempts to address the problem. The governments of the four South Asian countries holding significant vulture populations (Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan) have banned the veterinary use of diclofenac and an alternative NSAID of low toxicity to vultures (meloxicam) was tested and recommended as a 10

11 replacement for diclofenac and is becoming widely available in the region. Recognising the priority of such actions and the need for further steps to ensure full implementation, a consortium of fourteen organisations was founded under the banner of Saving Asia s Vultures from Extinction (SAVE) in February SAVE has agreed a Blueprint for the Recovery of South Asia s Critically Endangered Gyps Vultures. In May 2012 the governments of Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan signed a Regional Declaration: The Conservation of South Asia s Critically Endangered Vulture Species (Delhi, 2012), which endorsed the key actions outlined in The Blueprint. The Regional Declaration (Delhi, 2012) also established an inter-governmental Regional Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of conservation actions. SAVE Blueprint and annually reviewed priorities SAVE Partners meet annually to report on progress and review priorities. SAVE has two nominated committees of experts from the Partners that deal with developments within two main areas of activities the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and the Funding, Advocacy and Communications Committee (FACC). The outcomes of the SAVE meeting and changes to The Blueprint are summarised in a detailed report. The SAVE report for 2015 can be downloaded ( The SAVE priorities for 2016 are listed below. SAVE priorities for Asian vulture conservation for 2016 Veterinary licenses to be withdrawn for two NSAIDs aceclofenac and ketoprofen based on good existing evidence that they are unsafe for vultures An effective system of regulation of veterinary drugs should be introduced, based upon safetytesting of those currently in use and all new drugs entering the veterinary market. A protocol for testing drugs on vultures has been developed in India, but testing has not yet begun. No effective system exists at present for rapidly preventing the veterinary use of drugs known to be toxic to vultures. A priority for testing is nimesulide; a drug believed to be toxic to vultures and is already in widespread veterinary use. Identifying additional vulture-safe NSAIDs. At present, the only known vulture-safe NSAID is meloxicam. Communicating the recent ban on multi-dose vials of human diclofenac in India to relevant authorities and stakeholders. Addressing the current and increasing gap between the available funding for vulture conservation and the work that should be done. This gap now jeopardises continuation of the programme Promotion of network and approach of Vulture Safe Zones across South Asia with expansion to include trans-boundary cooperative efforts. Maintenance and support the existing vulture conservation breeding programmes throughout South Asia Providing a safe environment for first soft releases of captive bred vultures at identified sites (circular areas, 100 km in radius) in India and Nepal 11

12 Improving the availability of well-formulated meloxicam products thereby increasing their popularity with veterinary practitioners Linking SAVE activities and meetings to provide support for the Regional Steering Committee and National Vulture Recovery Committees in order to facilitate the urgent implementation of The Regional Declaration (Delhi, 2012) Composition of SAVE The consortium of SAVE Partners continues to expand. As well as SAVE s 14 main and project partners, with three more in the process of being made partners, a new category of SAVE Associates has been created. SAVE Associates are organisations carrying out SAVE priority activities effectively at a local level. It is hoped that the SAVE Associate label will help these organisations acquire resources and funding for these activities. SAVE Associates are nominated for a two-year period, with renewal being subject to review. Three SAVE Associates have so far been designated. A call to action for emerging priority threats to vultures in the region Veterinary NSAIDs... The priorities above clearly show that there are urgent actions required in addition to the effective full removal of diclofenac from vulture food supplies. Addressing the emerging threat from other vulturetoxic NSAIDs is a high priority. Unfortunately, very little progress has been made with this. For example, ketoprofen has been known to be toxic to vultures since 2009, but the veterinary use of ketoprofen has not yet been banned anywhere in South Asia. Since the most recent annual SAVE meeting in November 2015, there have been two significant publications in peer-reviewed journals that highlight the threat posed by two other NSAIDs that is, aceclofenac and nimesulide. Aceclofenac A study by Galligan et al. (2016) showed that aceclofenac is rapidly metabolised into diclofenac in cattle. Scientists from the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, Biomedical Research Centre (University of Pretoria) and Environmental Research Institute (University of the Highlands and Islands), gave four cattle the recommended veterinary dose of aceclofenac, sampled their blood at intervals and then analysed these samples to measure concentrations of aceclofenac and diclofenac. The cattle rapidly metabolised almost all of the aceclofenac into diclofenac. The area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (a standard measure of drug absorption and elimination) for the diclofenac-metabolite was more than 10 times that of aceclofenac. Aceclofenac is therefore as dangerous to vultures as diclofenac itself. Aceclofenac is widely and legally available for treating livestock in most South Asian countries. It is recommended for the same uses as diclofenac, including palliative care of dying cattle, which leads to the contamination of carcasses with lethal concentrations of diclofenac. Surveys of drugs offered for sale for veterinary use in Indian pharmacies indicate that the availability of aceclofenac is increasing there. A possible reason for the Governments of South Asia not to have banned veterinary use of aceclofenac was that conversion to diclofenac had not yet been demonstrated in cattle. Now that this experiment has demonstrated conversion, a ban on veterinary use of aceclofenac should be implemented immediately. 12

13 Nimesulide A study by Cuthbert et al. (2015) strongly suggests that nimesulide is toxic to Gyps vultures. Between 2000 and 2012, 62 vulture carcasses were collected in India, examined for cause of death and 48 were analysed for NSAIDs residues. Residues of three NSAIDs were detected: diclofenac (vulturetoxic), meloxicam (vulture-safe) and nimesulide (untested) in liver and kidney tissues. All 25 vultures with diclofenac residues and four out of five vultures with nimesulide residues had visceral gout. The bird with nimesulide and no visceral gout had a low concentration of the drug. One vulture was positive for meloxicam, but negative for visceral gout (this bird died from bacterial infection). Another vulture had both meloxicam and nimesulide residues and visceral gout. The results for diclofenac and meloxicam concur with previous findings; however, the result for nimesulide is novel and striking: the four vultures with visceral gout and nimesulide are the only wild Asian vultures that have been found dead with visceral gout and NSAID residues other than diclofenac. This strongly suggests that nimesulide is toxic to vultures at levels found in carcasses available to vultures. Nimesulide is therefore a high priority for safety testing on captive vultures, but this is not yet under way. Ketoprofen A study by Naidoo et al. (2009) showed that ketoprofen is toxic to vultures. This drug has replaced diclofenac ahead of meloxicam in some areas, especially in Bangladesh. The published study was brought to the attention of governments immediately, but this did not result in serious attention by drug authorities until There are current SAVE initiatives to address this in Bangladesh, where veterinary ketoprofen has been banned in its provisional Vulture Safe Zones. In India, the Government of Tamil Nadu has taken some steps towards localised bans in vulture hotspots thanks to the efforts of our SAVE Associate Arulagam. These steps are very welcome, but need to be taken up on a national or international scale. Diclofenac After almost five years in process, the Government of India took a significant step to reducing the illegal use of human diclofenac, through the gazetted ban of these products in vials larger than 3ml (July 2015). It is clear that offending manufacturers of large vials of human diclofenac were distributing these products for veterinary use; and offending users of these products in livestock were taking advantage of large vials. It is thought that this ban will significantly discourage illegal use of human diclofenac. Wider solutions There are plans in place in India for SAVE partners including the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) and BNHS and also in South Africa to test up to four veterinary NSAIDs other than diclofenac and ketoprofen on Gyps vultures. However, given the failure of governments, except that of Bangladesh, to take any action to prevent veterinary use of ketoprofen in the seven years for which it has been known to be toxic to vultures, safety testing alone is clearly not the answer to the continuing problems faced by South Asia s vultures. Finding more vulture-safe drug options is a priority, but so is preventing known vulture-toxic drugs from being licensed by the veterinary drug authorities. Vulture Safe Zone initiatives complement the priorities mentioned so far, that importantly brings awareness and focus on a more manageable scale. These along with the breeding programmes with carefully planned and monitored releases will further highlight just how safe the environment is and can ultimately lead to population recoveries of vultures more widely. 13

14 Addressing the wider NSAIDs issue is however the single most important priority for vulture conservation in the region and requires full and proactive support of the four Governments to make the actions required happen in time. Immediate bans on veterinary aceclofenac and keteprofen should be introduced in all four South Asian vulture range states. Experimental testing of nimesulide on vultures should be progressed as rapidly as possible and a ban introduced immediately in all states if it is found to be toxic. There are proposals in place to carry out such NSAID safety-testing work on vultures in India, but there is an urgent need to ensure this happens as quickly as possible, and that the findings of such work do result in speedy legislative reaction. Similar measures or mechanisms are needed in all four South Asian countries (i.e. also Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal) where vulture populations are already drastically depleted and where there is still a serious risk of extinction References Cuthbert Taggart, M., Saini, M., Sharma, A., Das, A., Kulkarni, M.D., Deori, P., Ranade, S., Shringarpure, R.N., Galligan, T.H. and Green, R.E. (2015) Continuing mortality of vultures in India associated with illegal veterinary use of diclofenac and a potential threat from nimesulide. Oryx 50: Galligan Taggart, M.A., Cuthbert, R.J., Svobodova, D., Chipangura, J., Alderson, D., Prakash, V.M. and Naidoo, V. (2016) Metabolism of aceclofenac in cattle to vulture-killing diclofenac. Conservation Biology DOI: /cobi Green, R.E., Newton, I., Shultz, S., Cunningham, A.A., Gilbert, G., Pain, D.J. & Prakash, V. (2004) Diclofenac poisoning as a cause of vulture population declines across the Indian subcontinent. Journal of Applied Ecology, 41, Green, R.E., Taggart, M.A., Senacha, K.R., Raghavan, B., Pain, D.J., Jhala, Y., & Cuthbert, R. (2007) Rate of decline of the Oriental White-Backed vulture population in India estimated from a survey of diclofenac residues in carcasses of ungulates. PLoS ONE, 2, e686. Naidoo, V., Wolter, K., Cromarty, D., Diekmann, M., Duncan, N. et al. (2010). Toxicity of NSAIDs to Gyps vultures: a new threat from ketoprofen. Biology Letters 6, Oaks, J.L., Gilbert, M., Virani, M.Z., Watson, R.T., Meteyer, C.U. et al. (2004). Diclofenac residues as the cause of population decline of vultures in Pakistan. Nature, 427, SAVE 5 Annual Report lueprint).pdf Shultz S, Baral HS, Charman S, Cunningham AA, Das D, et al. (2004) Diclofenac poisoning is widespread in declining vulture populations across the Indian subcontinent. Proc Biol Sci (Supplement) 271: S458-S460. Swan, G.E., Cuthbert, R., Quevedo, M., Green R.E., Pain, D.J. et al. (2006a) Toxicity of diclofenac to Gyps vultures. Biology Letters, 2,

15 Paper 2: Vulture Conservation initiatives of WWF- Pakistan By: Dr. Uzma Khan 1, Warda Javed 2, Hamera Aisha 3 Executive Summary The critically endangered Oriental white-backed vulture Gyps bengalensis and long-billed vulture Gyps indicus have declined across most of their range by over 95 per cent since the mid-1990s. The primary cause of decline and ongoing threat faced by vultures is the ingestion of livestock carcasses containing residues of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), principally diclofenac. WWF- Pakistan initiated the Gyps Vulture Restoration Project (GVRP) in 2005; however, prior to that it has supported numerous studies on vulture. GVRP involves both in-situ and ex-situ conservation; the Gyps Vulture Conservation Facility in Changa Manga Forest Reserve is the only ex-situ conservation initiative in Pakistan, which is dedicated to holding a safe population of vultures with a potential to breed. Lobbying by WWF-Pakistan with Government agencies led to the banning of Diclofenac sodium in the veterinary practice in Concurrently, in-situ conservation in Nagar Parkar, Sindh integrates conservation research, advocacy, community empowerment and awareness to ensure a viable population of remaining vultures in the wild. In-situ work implements the blue print of SAVE Saving Asian Vultures from Extinction. WWF- Pakistan, as part of this initiative, established a Vulture Safe Zone (VSZ) in 2012, which covers an area of 100 km in diameter in the remote area of Nagar Parker, Sindh, and hosts the remaining breeding population of white-backed and long-billed vultures. The project is monitoring the population of vultures in Nagar Parkar and is also collecting data on the availability of carcasses and NSAIDs, as many other veterinary NSAIDs such as aceclofenac, ketoprofen and flunixin, have also been shown to be unsafe for vultures and available in Nagar Parkar. Apart from this overall threat of NSAIDs, within the project area other threats include the cutting of nesting trees of white-backed vultures for livestock fodder and fuelwood and the extraction of granite from the nearby Karoonjhar Hills, which is the breeding habitat of cliff-nesting long-billed vultures. There are only 31 active white-backed vulture nests and 103 active long-billed vulture nests in Nagar Parkar according to the survey of the area. Undercover surveys of pharmacy and medical stores revealed that, despite a ban on the use of diclofenac in veterinary practice since 2006, it is still being used illegally and human formulations are used illegitimately for veterinary purposes throughout the country and in the VSZ. The capacity of local farmers and livestock owners has been enhanced through trainings organized in collaboration with the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences for improved animal husbandry practices, which will help to reduce livestock losses. Further, to address the problem of poor animal husbandry, deworming camps have been organized in collaboration with the ICI-Pakistan and the Sindh Livestock and Fisheries Department. Livestock assessment surveys were also conducted in and around the Gyps vulture colonies to understand the livestock management practices and prevalent diseases of the area. 1 Director Species Conservation ukhan@wwf.org.pk/primatekhan@gmail.com 2 SGP Coordinator sgp@wwf.org.pk 3 Manager Conservation haisha@wwf.org.pk 15

16 Nature clubs have been established in local schools to highlight the ecological significance of vultures and threats faced by the species. Education and awareness raising material has been developed in the local language and disseminated widely in the project area. Introduction The critically endangered species of Gyps vulture, White-backed vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Longbilled vulture (Gyps indicus) and Slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris), have declined across most of their range by over 95% since the mid-1990s. Pakistan is the range country of two of these species G. bengalensis and G.indicus. The primary cause of the decline and an ongoing threat is the ingestion of the residues of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by vultures through livestock carcasses, principally diclofenac (Oaks et al., 2004). This had a catastrophic consequence in India (the killing over 40 million vultures in just fifteen years). This loss of vultures has caused major knockon impacts including increases in feral dogs that exploit the vulture food sources (and thereby give rise to a higher incidence of rabies and dog bites). The Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) has also declined in most parts of its range and is now listed as endangered (Birdlife International, 2015). WWF-Pakistan supported vulture studies prior to the GVRP Conservation of Vultures in District Mianwali: a feasibility study In 2000, through WWF-Pakistan s Small Grants Programme, Syed Mehmood Nasir conducted a study after an alarming increase in the number of deaths of the White Backed Vulture in Kundian Forest. The objectives of the project were to determine the population status of the vultures in Mianwali District, to find out the number of vultures that had been sent to the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) for autopsy and their findings, and to investigate the reasons behind the increased deaths of the vultures. 1. Survey of White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis in Azad Kashmir, NWFP and Potohar In 2004, when the cause was attributed to drug poisoning by Diclofenac Sodium, once again a prebreeding survey was carried out in selected areas in AJK, NWFP and Potohar by Mr. Z.B. Mirza. It was a useful project as very little information on the status of the vultures was available from these areas. According to the survey, the population of the White Backed Vultures has declined in Potohar and the population of Himalayan Griffons has declined in Murree Hills and AJK. 2. Evaluation of Current Status of Griffon and Cinereous vultures in Balochistan In 2005, Shakeel Ahmad and Uzma Khan conducted a study focused on the population status of the two species of Vultures (Aegypius monachus) and Eurasian Griffon (Gyps fulvus). The project focused on conducting baseline population assessment surveys in eight district of the Balochistan, conducting necropsies on the dead birds to determine the probable cause of death, and a market survey of Diclofenac use in Balochistan 16

17 Under the Gyps Vulture Restoration Project, the following activities have been conducted so far: Ex situ Conservation: WWF-Pakistan has been working towards the protection of Gyps vulture in Pakistan for more than a decade through ex-situ conservation. The Gyps Vulture Conservation Centre in Changa Manga Forest Reserve is the only ex-situ conservation initiative in Pakistan which is dedicated to retain the current population along with a captive breeding program to increase their population since WWF-Pakistan launched the captive breeding programme in Changa Manga Forest Reserve in Land for the centre was provided by the Punjab Forest Department and this is set up in collaboration with the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department. The seed funding came from the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi for the construction of the centre. The Hawk Conservancy Trust (HCT), UK, has been supporting the running cost of the centre since 2007 and also provides technical support. Earlier in 2006 this initiative was able to achieve a ban on Diclofenac Sodium in Pakistan due to successful lobbying with the Government of Pakistan. The facility comprises one main aviary, four smaller aviaries and surrounding paths, livestock enclosures and boundaries. A designated veterinarian from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) from Lahore visits the vulture facility on a regular basis. In addition to that, aviary cleaning/disinfection, veterinary health checks, de-worming and external parasite treatment of the vultures are also carried out as part of the annual health programme. Successfully breeding chicks at the centre has been tantalisingly close in previous years. The facility currently houses 15 white-backed vultures, of which two pairs bred successfully this year, while two other pairs have shown encouraging signs of breeding behaviour. The total number of vultures including the two chicks is 17. The two chicks are being monitored and cared for by WWF- Pakistan trained staff at the Centre. One of the chicks has successfully fledged from the nest on 25 th May In situ Conservation (Vulture Safe Zone, Nagar Parkar) 1. Establishment of a CBO: Under this project, WWF-Pakistan established a local community based organization (CBO), Parkar Foundation, in order to raise awareness among local communities about the significant ecological role of vultures in the environment and to sensitize the relevant government departments, veterinarian community and the local veterinary and medical store owners to stop the use of harmful NSAIDs. 2. Improving livestock management practices: Livestock assessment surveys and focused group discussions were conducted in villages around Gyps vulture colonies to identify villages with the highest number of livestock, in order to establish deworming and animal husbandry camps. Livestock assessment surveys were then carried out in a select number of villages in order to determine the livestock abundance and prevalent diseases. The surveys covered a total of 16 villages in order to establish a baseline and revealed a total of 20,066 heads of livestock including goats, sheep, cows, camels, donkeys and buffalos in these villages. A wide range of livestock diseases and conditions were identified during these surveys including sheep pox, goat pox, mouth infection, enterotoxaemia, worm infection, diarrhoea, mange, foot and mouth disease, contagious pleuro- pneumonia, anthrax, black quarter etc. 3. Meetings with veterinarians: Meetings were also conducted with local veterinarians from different villages to understand the prevalent diseases in the area. The veterinarians also gave suggestions as to how they can help WWF-Pakistan in minimizing the risks and effects of mortality (such as NSAIDs poisoning). 17

18 4. Training of Master Trainers: Parkar Foundation, its members and community representatives were given training on livestock management by the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, in January 2016 to highlight safe drug usage, the ecological services of vultures, and to build the capacity of the local communities. The Department of Livestock and Animal husbandry, Nagar Parkar, Sindh was also approached to take part in the training. 5. Livestock Deworming Camp in Nagar Parkar A three-day livestock deworming camp was organized in collaboration with ICI-Pakistan in Nagar Parkar from 28 to 30 March These camps were organized in three villages; namely Malji Jo Wandio, Sukhpur and Ghartiari, which are located around the colonies of Gyps vultures in Nagar Parkar, Sindh. A total of 5,500 animals including sheep, goats, cows, buffalos and camels were given deworming medicines. A team of veterinarians from ICI- Pakistan (Hyderabad and Mitthi) along with WWF-Pakistan s representative and the locally registered Parker Foundation facilitated the deworming camp activities. 6. Improving water supply In coordination with the District Government, a well is being constructed in the Mulji Jo Wandio village, Nagar Parkar for marginalized communities to grow fodder crops and meet other water demands in order to save the tree species that provide the white-backed vulture a nesting habitat. 7. Recent research on NSAIDs Recently some drugs such as aceclofenac, ketoprofen, nimesulide and Flunixin, have been identified as unsafe to vultures (Naidoo et al., 2010, Sharma 2012, Zorrilla et al., 2014 and Cutherbert et al. 2015). WWF-Pakistan s initial surveys under the Vulture Safe Zone project indicate that ketoprofen, flunixin and aceclofenac are available in Pakistan. WWF-Pakistan has recorded human formulations of diclofenac (local as well as imported) available at Nagar Parkar, which has endangered the remaining breeding populations of two critically endangered Gyps vultures. It still needs to be confirmed if there is any evidence that these are used by the local communities for veterinary purposes. The only vial size available is 3ml. Formulation testing of six meloxicam samples from Pakistan to the UK had showed high ph levels (varying from 9.31 to 12.92), indicating that all compounds were strongly to very strongly alkaline with high osmolarities (varying from 5.41 to 8.23 mosmol ml-1) and the absence of the excipient meglumine makes it very likely that these compounds will have the same problem as meloxicam manufactured in India, rendering them painful upon injection. ICI-Pakistan has taken steps to improve the formulation of meloxicam in its product Melonac (Certificate of Analysis is awaited from ICI-Pakistan). Other pharmaceuticals (Leads Pharma, SJ & G Fazul Ellahie, Selmore Pharma, Star Labs and Breeze Pharma) will be approached to improve their meloxicam formulations, using the example of ICI-Pakistan. A process of dialogue was already initiated with representatives of the Drug Regulatory Authority managed by the Ministry of National Health Services, Government of Pakistan. No significant progress was made to impose a ban on the veterinary use of ketoprofen and aceclofenac at the national scale so far. An important positive development at the provincial level is the recent amendment in the law, the Drugs Act, 1976 in Punjab province. This amendment makes the registration of any kind of drug mandatory with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan. It is therefore compulsory for drug manufacturers to specify on labels that a drug is intended for human use only. 7.1 Drug Regulatory Authority and Gyps Vulture Conservation It has been reported by the Drug Regulatory Authority (DRA) that diclofenac is being used under the labels of Herbal and Homeopathic medicines for animals; there are at least

19 such products (sale points indicated at Rawalpindi Veterinary Medicine Market, Shamsabad). This requires further investigation, which the DRA is pursuing by making unannounced visits to dispensaries in a number of cities. The situation will continue to be monitored via links between the DRA and WWF-Pakistan. The number of veterinary pharmaceutical companies that are manufacturing ketoprofen and aceclofenac in Pakistan needs to be checked. Flunixin and Nimesulide have serious impacts on the vulture population and this is currently being investigated by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSBP) in India. There are two critical steps, we would like to know how many veterinary pharmaceuticals are manufacturing ketoprofen, aceclofenac and flunixin and if nimesulide is registered in Pakistan We can then take these pharmaceuticals on board to ban these two drugs in Pakistan. This issue had been discussed in the meeting of the Drug Registration Board (DRB) in Islamabad, in December WWF-Pakistan would need support from the DRA on the following: Improving potency, formulation and availability of Meloxicam, as this is so far tested as safe for vultures. Sharing information on the veterinary manufacturers of aceclofenac, ketoprofen and flunixin. Banning aceclofenac, flunixin and ketoprofen in veterinary practice. The DRB should not register nimesulide, if currently not registered in Pakistan (confirmation required from DRB). 8. Population Assessment Survey: A field survey was carried out from 16 March to 15 April 2015 in Nagar Parkar, Sindh. The survey revealed a total of 31 active nests of the white-backed vulture and 105 individual and 103 active nests and 503 individuals of the longbilled vulture. A total of 584 species of the Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus were also found in Nagar Parkar. The Gyps Population Assessment 2016 has recently ended and WWF-Pakistan has already published a paper on the vulture population (Murn et al 2014). Another scientific paper on the population data of the Gyps indicus is currently being drafted. WWF-Pakistan is also surveying areas in AJK and has identified a potential site to establish another VSZ. 9. Media Exposure Visit to Nagar Parkar A two-day exposure visit to Nagar Parkar, Tharparkar was organized for journalists from 24 to 25 March 2016 and intended to sensitize participants to make efforts for the protection of endangered vulture species. During this visit journalists were taken to the hotspots of the vulture population in the surrounding villages of Nagar Parkar. Participating media houses included Dawn, The News, Business Recorder, and the monthly Ferozan. 10. Awareness among school children: Awareness raising material has already been developed, including factsheets in Sindhi and English on the Gyps vulture crises and conservation initiatives by WWF-Pakistan. Vulture identification cards have also been developed and distributed among relevant stakeholders. Consultative sessions were held for local communities and the Parkar Foundation in Mulji ka Wandia (the village), Nagar Parkar, and the veterinarian community in Mithi. A seminar was also organized at the Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam. Sessions are regularly organized in different schools of Nagar Parkar highlighting the importance of vultures in the ecosystem and the reasons for their decline. A total of 15 Nature Clubs have been established in local schools. Awareness raising material will be prepared that includes an interactive activity book and brochures in the local Sindhi language. 19

20 In addition to this, vulture day is celebrated every year where different activities are organised; for example, last year the day was celebrated in Lahore Zoo and the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. Plans for Community-based dispensaries: The set up of community-based dispensaries for the local community is part of the project plan for Continued monitoring of the critically endangered Gyps vultures in Nagar Parkar. 3. Lobby to ban aceclofenac and ketoprofen in veterinary practice and designate Karoonjhar Hills as legally protected to save the nests of the critically endangered long-billed vulture. WWF-Pakistan has already written to the Ministry of Health regarding banning the above mentioned drugs. 4. Develop the National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation. 5. Vulture watching trips will be organized for local schools in Nagar Parkar. 6. Production of education and outreach materials in the form of interactive activity books highlighting the role of vultures in the environment along with other useful information which will be printed in the local Sindhi language. 7. Tissue sample analysis of livestock carcasses to assess the presence of NSAIDs. 8. Assessment of the range movement of vultures through radio transmitters. 9. Screening of a short documentary on national television channels. 10. Establish another Vulture Safe Zone. An assessment has already been completed for this. 20

21 References: BirdLife International (2015) Species factsheet: Neophron percnopterus. Downloaded from on 22/04/2015. BirdLife International (2015) Species factsheet: Gyps bengalensis. Downloaded from on 22/04/2015. BirdLife International (2015) Species factsheet: Gyps indicus. Downloaded from on 22/04/2015. Cuthbert R. J. Dave R., Chakrborty S. S., Kumar S., Prakash S., Ranad S. R., and Prakash V Assessing the ongoing threat fro veterinary non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs to critically endangered Gyps vultures in India. Oryx 45 (3), Cuthbert. R.J., Analysis of veterinary meloxicam formulations manufactured in Pakistan Report prepared by RSPB, UK. Murn, C., Saeed, U., Khan, U., and Iqbal, S, Population and spatial breeding dynamics of a Critically Endangered Oriental White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis colony in Sindh Province, Pakistan. Bird Conservation International, doi: /s Naidoo, V., Venter K., Wolter, Taggart, M.A, Cuthbert, R The toxicokinetics of ketoprofen in Gyps coprotheres: toxicity due to zero-order metabolism. Arch Toxicol 84: Naidoo, V., Wolter, K., Cromarty, D., Diekmann, M., Duncan, N., Meharg, A., Taggart, M.A., Venter, L., Cuthbert, R., Toxicity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to Gyps vultures: a new threat from Ketoprofen DOI: /rsbl Published 12 May 2010 Oaks J. L., Gilbert M., Virani M. Z., Watson R. T., Meteyer C. U., Rideout B. A., Shivaprasad H. L., Ahmed S., Chaudhry M. J. I., Arshad M., Mahmood S., Ali A. and Khan A. A Diclofenac residue as the cause of vulture population decline in Pakistan. Nature 427, Sharma P Aceclofenac as potential threat to critically endangered vultures in India: A Review. Journal of Raptor Research 46(3): Zorrilla, I., Martinez, R., Taggart, M. A., and Richard, N Suspected Flunixin Poisoning of a Wild Eurasian Griffon Vulture from Spain Conservation Biology, Volume 00, No. 0, 1 6 Society for Conservation Biology DOI: /cobi

22 Paper 3: Status and distribution of vultures in Sindh By: Syed Ali Ghalib 1, Nadeem Mirbahar 1 and Fehmida Firdous 1 Abstract Out of the eight species of vultures residing in Pakistan, seven have been recorded in Sindh. These include: the Egyptian Vulture, Bearded Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Long-billed Vulture and White-backed Vulture. Long-billed and White-backed Vultures have undergone severe population decline. The use of Diclofenac Acid in sick domestic livestock is considered to be the main factor for this decline. Nagarparkar area in district Tharparkar is the main stronghold of these two species in Sindh. Up-to-date information about the status of vultures in Sindh has been lacking. The present studies were undertaken to record their distribution and status in Sindh. Field surveys were undertaken from 2014 to 2016 in Sindh, including the prime localities of Long-billed and White-backed Vulture comprising of 15 villages in Nagarparkar area. During the present studies, baseline data was collected regarding existing threats, review of the present conservation efforts and the proposed priority action. The key species of vultures in Sindh are the White-backed, Long-billed and Egyptian Vultures. Out of these, White-backed and Long-billed Vultures are critically endangered while the Egyptian Vulture is endangered. Out of the other species of vultures, the Red-headed Vulture is critically endangered, the Cinereous Vulture is near threatened, and the Lammergeier and Eurasian Griffon Vulture are of Least Concern. It is concluded that the status of the Long-billed Vulture is more or less secure in Sindh, while the status of the White-backed Vulture has somewhat improved in Sindh, as Vulture Safe Zones have been established and some studies on the conservation of the species have been undertaken. The use of Diclofenac in veterinary practice has been banned and Meloxicam has been introduced as its replacement, but veterinary practitioners are not yet fully aware of the said ban. As part of a future conservation strategy, long-term regular monitoring of the population of the two vulture species is suggested to record the trends in their populations. Introduction Eight species of vultures are recorded in Pakistan (Roberts 1991, Grimmett et al and Ahmad, 2013). Three species of Gyps vultures are endemic to South and Southeast Asia. They are the Whitebacked vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Long-billed vulture (G. indicus) and Slender-billed vulture (G. tenuirostris). They are the worst affected and are threatened with global extinction after rapid population declines, which began in the mid-1990s. They are listed as Critically Endangered. In India, the Oriental White-backed vulture population in 2007 was estimated at one-thousandth of its level in the early 1990s. Veterinary use of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Diclofenac is the major cause of these declines. Diclofenac has been used to treat symptoms of disease and injury in domesticated ungulates in many parts of the Indian subcontinent since the 1990s. When research had indicated the severity of the effects of Diclofenac on vulture populations, the Governments of India, Pakistan and Nepal commenced actions to prevent the contamination of vulture food supplies with the drug. A ban on veterinary practice was imposed on 17 March 2005 In India. Pakistan and Nepal also banned it in 2006, and it was banned in Bangladesh in After the ban of Diclofenac in 22

23 Pakistan, the survey in showed very few vultures or nests but between 2011 and 2014 the number of active nests had increased in the Tharparkar colony from 11 to 34, indicating an expanding colony (Murn et al. 2014). Similar results have been found in the case of the long-billed vulture in Karoonjhar hills, Tharparkar district (Chaudhry et al. 2012). These facts highlight the need of a strategy to strengthen and synergize the ongoing vulture conservation work in Pakistan. The efforts already made were assessed for concrete action to help provincial and federal governments generate the resources for implementation based projects. Distribution of Vultures in Pakistan Nine species of vultures are found in Asia. Except the Slender Billed Vulture, eight species of vultures are found in Pakistan (Figure 1). Out of these eight species of vulture, five species are reported in all four Provinces. These are the White Backed Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Eurasian Griffon Vulture and Lammergeier. The Himalayan Griffon Vulture has been reported in Punjab and KPK, while the Red-headed Vulture is from Sindh and Punjab and the Long Billed Vulture from Sindh only. Figure 1: Distribution of vulture spp. in Pakistan Out of these, three species are Critically Endangered, one is Endangered, one is Near- threatened and three are of Least Concern. (Table 1) 23

24 Table 1: Conservation status of vultures S. No. Vulture Species Conservation Status Global 1 White-backed, Gyps bengalensis Critically Endangered 2 Long-billed, Gyps indicus Critically Endangered 3 Red-headed, Sarcogyps calvus Critically Endangered 4 Egyptian Griffon, Neophron percnopterus Endangered 5 Cinereous, Aegypius monachus Near Threatened 6 Himalayan Griffon, Gyps himalayensis Least Concern 7 Eurasian Griffon, Gyps fulvus Least Concern 8 Lammergeier, Gypaetus barbatus Least Concern Materials and Methods Data was collected throughout Sindh through Baseline Studies, EIAs and IEEs in collaboration with the Sindh Wildlife Department (2012 to 2015). Studies were also undertaken through IUCN- Commission on Ecosystem Management (2014 to 2015). Field studies were undertaken during December, 2015 and January, Field studies were also undertaken by m/s Nadeem Mirbahar, Zahoor Saalmi and Motiram in August, 2015 and January, Detailed visits were made in the Tharparkar District area and data was collected to record the occurrence and distribution of vultures. Secondary information was also obtained from the Sindh Wildlife Department, Baanhn Beli and local communities. The published information about the vultures of the area was also taken into account and reviewed. Moreover, a questionnaire based- baseline survey was undertaken by IUCN and Baanhn Beli from to in Tharparkar Area under the ICUN National Vulture Conservation Strategy Project ( ) and data was collected through interviews with locals in 11 villages of Nagarparkar area and 110 questionnaires were filled in. Results Seven species of vultures have been recorded from Sindh as under (Figure 2; Table: 2): 1. Oriental White Backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) Status: Less common resident recorded in Tharparkar, Badin and Khairpur Districts 2. Long billed Vulture (Gyps indicus) Status: Less common resident mainly recorded in Tharparkar (Nagarparkar Area) and once from Khairpur District. 3. Egyptian or Scavenger Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) Status : Common resident recorded throughout most of the areas in Sindh. 4. Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) Status: Scarce resident / winter visitor recorded in Tharparkar District, Khirthar National Park, Jamshoro and Karachi Districts. 5. Eurasian Black Vulture / Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) 24

25 Status: Scarce winter visitor recorded in Tharparkar, Badin, Sukkur, Ghotki Districts and Karachi Coast. 6. Lammergeier or Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) Status: Occasional winter visitor recorded in Khirthar National Park, Jamshoro. 7. King Vulture, Redheaded or Black Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) Status: Occasional visitor, recorded in Tharparkar and Hyderabad. Table 2: Species of vultures of Sindh with their seasonal status Species White Backed Vulture Long Billed Vulture Egyptian Vulture Eurasian Griffon Vulture Lammergeier / Bearded Vulture Cinereous Vulture Red Headed Vulture Status Resident Resident Resident Resident Winter visitor Winter Visitor Occasional Visitor (Breeding recorded in Nagarparkar) The key Wildlife Areas of Sindh with reference to vultures have been identified as follows: Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary (Tharparkar District: Mithi, Nagarparkar and Diplo), Thatta and Badin District. Khirthar Protected Area Complex (Khirthar National Park: Bhal area and Marri Mungthar Hills) Nara Desert (Nara Game Reserve and Nara Desert Wildlife Sanctuary) Indus Delta (Karachi Coast) 25

26 Figure 2: Vultures of Sindh Long Billed Vulture Lammergeier Eurasian Griffon Vulture White Backed Vulture Egyptian Vulture Cinereous Vulture Red Headed Vulture Study Areas 26

27 Distribution of Vulture species in Tharparkar Six species of vulture have been recorded from Tharparkar (Ghalib et al., 2013) The Egyptian Vulture was fairly common in Mithi area, while the Long-billed Vulture was sighted in Nagarparkar particularly in the Karoonjhar hills area. The White-backed Vulture was scarce, and recorded in scattered localities in the study area from Mithi, Islamkot and Nagarparkar areas. The Mithi Bypass can be considered a potentially vulture-abundant area, as more than 150 Egyptian Vultures have been observed there along with the Redheaded Vulture, Eurasian Griffon Vulture and Cinereous Vulture. The Cinereous Vulture has also been recorded in Diplo. Potential Sites The potential sites for the occurrence of vultures have been identified as follows. (1) Oan Jo Wandhio, (2) Gharteyari, (3) Rarkuo, (4) Chitrasar, (5) Gatro, (6) Surachand, (7) Kasbo, (8) Malji Jo Wandhio, (9) Parbati Jo Wandhio, (10) Lakhar Khadio, (11) Sudhran, (12) Mitthi Bypass Area, (13) Karoonjhar Hills, and (14) Ghanteyari Dam Area. Figure 3: Vulture Habitats in Nagarparkar Karoonjhar Hills Mithi Bypass Area Malji jo Wandhiyo nesting area for WBV. More than 14 nesting birds were recorded in this village. M/s Nadeem Mirbahar and Moti Lal are in the foreground. Nesting of WBV in Malji jo Wandhiyo village 27

28 Ghantiyari Dam Area Review of recent surveys regarding vultures in Sindh. 1. In Sindh, a total of 359 Egyptian Vultures, 98 Griffon Vultures, 39 White-backed Vultures, 3 King Vultures, 3 Cinereous and 55 Long- billed Vultures were observed during the four months from December 31, 2010 to April 17, 2011 (Iqbal et al., draft report ). 2. WWF-Pakistan launched the Vulture Safe Zone Project in 2012 covering an area of about 100 Km in diameter in Nagarparkar. 3. During 2012 and 2013, population assessment surveys were carried out by WWF-Pakistan showing an increase in active nest counts of the White-backed (Gyps bengalensis) and Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus) in Nagarparkar Area. 4. Murn et al. (2014) showed an increased roost count in Nagarparkar from 39 birds in 2011 to 145 birds, more than three-fold increase in 3 years. 5. In the Mithi bypass area alone, about 150 Egyptian vultures were recorded (Firdous et al. 2016). 6. Surveys were undertaken in August, 2015 and January, 2016 and the following data was collected. (Tables 3 and 4) Table 3: Numbers of vultures recorded in August, 2015 Species of vultures Area Nos. White Backed Vulture Mithi- Islamkot 58 Long Billed Vulture Malji Jo Wandhiyo 43 Egyptian Vulture Karonjhar Hills 29 Redheaded Vulture Mithi- Mirpur Khas Road 01 28

29 Table 4: Numbers of vultures recorded in January, 2016 Species of vultures Area Nos. White Backed Vulture 90 Long Billed Vulture 07 Egyptian Vulture Mithi 05 Redheaded Vulture 01 Eurasian Griffon Vulture 01 Threats to Vultures The threats to vultures have been identified as Diclofenac use in livestock, destruction of nests by herders, absence of carcasses, habitat destruction, migration of species to other countries, absence of conservation initiatives, high use of pesticides and insecticides, killing of vultures for any other reason, food shortage-removal of dead animals by traders, forest degradation, human behavior, absence of laws and policies, developmental projects etc. Conservation initiatives undertaken o o o o A country wide Gyps vulture population assessment was made in Nagarparkar area was found to be the main stronghold of two critically endangered Gyps species. A Vulture Safe Zone Project was launched in 2012 by WWF-Pakistan with the financial support of USF & WS, covering a 100 km diameter area in Tehsil Nagarparkar with the main objectives being to declare a Vulture Conservation Area (a Vulture Safe Zone ) free from NSAIDs that are fatal to Gyps Vultures, and to enhance the usage of alternate an NSAID, Meloxicam, by lobbying with the pharmaceutical companies, veterinarians and relevant govt. departments to increase awareness through media, community sessions and trainings. Two comprehensive population assessment surveys were conducted in 2012 and They showed an increase in the active nest counts of the White-backed and the Long-beaked Vulture. A National Vulture Recovery Committee was constituted in 2012 with the following objectives. It is a great step forward for the conservation of vultures in Pakistan. 1. Facilitate coordination, and guide and oversee vulture conservation and recovery efforts at the national level. 2. Take actions for the implementation of all recommendations from the symposium on Developing a Regional Response to the Conservation of South Asia s Critically Endangered Vulture species at the national level. 3. Prepare and implement a national recovery action plan for vulture conservation and recovery efforts in Pakistan. 29

30 4. Identify opportunities to enhance regional coordination and cooperation, including, for example the harmonization of relevant policies and legislation, the creation of transboundary vulture safe zones, and sharing of experience and best practices. 5. Help identify priority research, conservation recovery, and monitoring projects and assist in seeking financial and technical support for their implementation. 6. Facilitate formulation of policy recommendations to address emerging threats to vulture populations in Pakistan, and help bring these to the attention of the appropriate decision - markers. 7. Facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement, including the private sector, to mobilize resources for the implementation of vulture conservation and recovery efforts in Pakistan. 8. Promote education, communication, capacity-building, and public awareness raising activities, highlighting the importance and urgency of vulture conservation and recovery efforts. 9. Prepare and submit bi-annual progress reports to the Regional Secretariat, and present an update on Pakistan s progress with vulture conservation at the Regional Steering Committee meetings. Conclusion 1. The key species of vultures in Sindh are the White backed Vulture, Long billed Vulture and the Egyptian Vulture. Out of these, the White backed Vulture and Long billed Vulture are critically endangered, while the Egyptian Vulture is endangered. Out of the other species of vultures, the Redheaded Vulture is critically endangered, the Cinereous Vulture is near threatened and the status of Eurasian Griffon and Lammergeier is of Least Concern. 2. Local people informed researchers that about Long-billed Vultures were residing in the Nagarparkar area, with their main nesting sites in the Karoonjhar Hills. This vulture migrates to other remote areas as well, and one Long- billed Vulture was sighted at Mithrao Bhambro Village in District Khairpur on 11/02/2015(Pers, Comm. A.R.Khan). Regarding the White-backed Vulture, about 200 individuals might be residing in the area. All this needs confirmation through detailed studies on the subject. 3. The directive to ban the use of Diclofenac Acid has not been circulated to veterinary doctors so most of them are ignorant of its toxic effects on animals. Moreover, they are also not convinced of using Meloxicam as an alternate medicine. So, Voren is still the most used medicine in the treatment of sick animals. Still, there is a need to publicize the ban imposed by the government on the veterinary use of Diclofenac. 4. The preset day distribution and status of vultures in Sindh is yet to be determined through continued studies with emphasis on the mortality rates of these species and the extent of their dependence on the carcasses of animals, along with determining the extent of use of Diclofenac in animal treatment and its impact on vultures, if any, in the study area. There are gaps in studies on vultures, so any clear picture of the threats to their survival is not available. 5. A USAID funded National Vulture Conservation Strategy Project was implemented by IUCN during to contribute to national efforts for the conservation of vultures, through development of a National Vulture Conservation Strategy for Pakistan. The Project has greatly boosted vulture conservation efforts in Sindh and very significant updated data about the distribution, status and overall environmental situation with reference to vultures was collected. This will prove as a guideline for future vulture conservation efforts in Pakistan. 30

31 Priority Actions 1. Regular studies/monitoring regarding vultures is required in the Vulture Safe Zone for their continued presence, and for safe guarding them against the emerging threats of activities such as mining (Coal, Granite, Salt) and infrastructure development. 2. The Zoological Survey of Pakistan may be activated for monitoring studies in Vulture Conservation Areas (VCAs). Baanhn Beli and the Parkar Foundation may be supported for Vultures/Peafowl conservation programmes by the Government as these are the only local NGOs working for the protection and conservation of vultures in Tharparpakar. 3. The notification regarding the cancellation of the registration of all veterinary drugs containing Diclofenac does not contain any directive regarding banning the use of the drug in Veterinary treatment. The ban on Diclofenac needs to be publicized. 4. Water points and feeding sites for vultures may be created. 5. Vaccination programs for Peafowl and livestock are urgently required to be implemented in full capacity. 6. The Biodiversity Action Plan for Pakistan needs to be approved and implemented as it deals with the conservation of Threatened Biodiversity of Pakistan. Acknowledgements: The authors would like to thank the following persons for their immense help in the field surveys. These are the main resource persons for future studies on vultures in Sindh. Dr. Muhammad Khan Mari (Baanhan Beli) Mr. Lajpat Sharma (Sindh Wildlife Department) Mr. Suleman Khoso (Sindh Wildlife Department) Mr. Moti Lal (Parkar Foundation) Mr. Zahoor Saalmi (Consultant, IUCN). He for the first time recorded breeding of Red Headed Vulture from Baraach Village, near Mithi, Nagarparkar). 31

32 References Ahmad, S.I. 2013, Raptors of Pakistan- A Field Guide. Zoological Survey of Pakistan, Ministry of Climate Change, Islamabad. 92 pages. Chaudhry, M. J. I., Ogada, D. L., Malik, R. N., Virani, M. Z., and Giovanni, M. D., 2012 First evidence that populations of the critically endangered Longbilled Vulture Gyps indicus in Pakistan have increased following the ban of the toxic veterinary drug diclofenac in south Asia. Bird Conserv. Intern. 22: Firdous, F., Ghalib, S.A., and Mirbahar, N., 2016 Baseline Report, National Vulture Conservation Strategy Project, IUCN (under publication). Ghalib, S.A., Khan, M.Z., Hussain., S.A., Zehra, A., Samreen, N., Tabassum, F., Jabeen, T., Khan, A.R., Sharma, L. and Bhatti, T Current distribution and status of the mammals, birds and reptiles in Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, Sindh. Int.J.Biol. Biotech., 10 (4) Grimmett,R., Roberts,T and Inskipp,T Birds of Pakistan.Christopher Helm,London. Iqbal. S., Khan, U. and Murn, C., Vulture population and status survey, Pakistan. (Unpublished Report) Murn, C., Saeed, U., Khan, U., and Iqbal, S., Population and spatial breeding dynamics of a Critically Endangered Oriental White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis colony in Sindh Province, Pakistan. Bird Conservation International, Available on CJO doi: /s Roberts, T. J. (1991) The Birds of Pakistan: Volume 1. Oxford University Press, Karachi. 32

33 Paper 4: Establishment and management of community-based Vulture Safe Zones (VSZ) in Bangladesh By: A.B.M. Sarowar Alam Principal Investigator, Bangladesh White-rumped Vulture Conservation Project IUCN Bangladesh About 99.9% of vulture populations have disappeared from the South-Asian countries over the last couple of decades (Khan, 2012). Populations of the White-Rumped Vulture and other resident Gyps vulture have declined drastically in Bangladesh and now consist of about 260 individuals. The fatal effects of Diclofenac and other veterinary NSAIDs on scavenging vultures are the main reason for this severe decline (Oaks et.al. 2014, SAVE 2016). The commitment of the Government of Bangladesh to conserve vultures is translated into banning veterinary Diclofenac drugs in The Ministry of Environment and Forests has also taken the initiative to ban Ketoprofen and other unsafe drugs for vultures. In 2012, Bangladesh, along with several South Asian countries, formed the Regional Steering Committee (RSC) dedicated to trans-boundary collaboration in conserving the highly threatened vultures of South Asia (Alam et.al. 2015).. Later in 2013, the Ministry of Environment and Forests of Bangladesh launched the Bangladesh National Vulture Recovery Committee (BNVRC) which aims to further the policy, advocacy, monitoring and supervision of national vulture conservation initiatives (Alam et.al. 2015). In December 2014, the Government declared two Vulture Safe Zones (VSZ-1: 19, km 2 and VSZ-2: km 2 ) for vulture conservation with the aim of providing vultures with a safe habitat free of harmful drugs. The declaration of VSZs is a result of a joint initiative by IUCN Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Forest Department (Alam et.al. 2015). This initiative also established baselines of vulture populations, identified hotspots, and conducted undercover pharmacy surveys (Alam 2015a). Despite the establishment of VSZs, the first undercover pharmacy survey conducted in 2014 showed harmful drugs making up 68% of veterinary drugs in the VSZs. To address this situation, campaigns and motivational activities took place within the local communities, pharmacy owners and veterinary practitioners in the VSZs. The people-focused efforts have created a base for the reduction of harmful drug use, promotion of the safe use of Meloxicam through private sector engagement, and the formation of Vulture Conservation Teams (VCT) at different tiers to manage the VSZs. The second undercover survey in 2015 revealed no presence of harmful Diclofenac in VSZ-1 but the presence of Ketoprofen was found. Overall, Diclofenac has been reduced in VSZ-2 to 8%, although some other drugs still persists, indicating to some success of the awareness campaigns (Alam 2015b). This paper discusses the Vulture Safe Zone establishment and declaration process, current population and population trends of vultures in Bangladesh, results from the pharmacy survey and the institutional mechanism that is the Vulture Conservation Team. 33

34 Vulture Safe Zone Declaration Process in Bangladesh VSZs are large areas dedicated to the conservation of vultures. A combined effort is put forth to make sure that the areas are free from diclofenac and vulture habitats are protected. Bangladesh is the first country to have government approved VSZs, giving them a legal footing in Bangladesh. The Government of Bangladesh declared two Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs) on 23 December 2014 by gazette notification. Several steps and procedures were followed before declaring the VSZs (Alam et.al. 2015). The first step in declaring a VSZ is conducting baseline surveys like a population survey, nesting and roosting tree identification, hotspot demarcation and pharmacy surveys. In Bangladesh, the initial surveys were conducted in 22 important districts. It was estimated the current population of vultures stands at approximately 260 individuals and two vulture hotspots were identified in Rema-Kalenga Wildlife of Greater Sylhet area and in Sundarbans of the Greater Khulna region, and from the 235 pharmacy surveys, it was established that there was around a 68% presence of diclofenac in the surrounding areas of vulture hotspots. It was then followed by the identification of the main threats to vultures. From previous literature review, interviews with specialists, experts and conservationists, it was determined that the three main threats vultures in Bangladesh face are: (1) presence of toxic drugs, (2) habitat loss and (3) insufficient food. Then came the development of a draft proposal with the proper mapping of specific activities. The draft proposal included the current status of vultures, the total area of the proposed VSZ and vulture hotspots with a map, the objectives of VSZs, the need for vultures in ecosystems etc. Afterwards, the draft proposal was shared with various local stakeholders who live and work in the possible VSZ area for their comments and suggestions. This was a very important step as local stakeholders are the ones most dependent on the proposed areas and have the best knowledge regarding these areas. These stakeholders might have specific comments or complaints that have to considered and/or negotiated in order to get full support from local communities. In Bangladesh, more than 20 meetings were held in the VSZ areas where members from a cross-section of the community, including representatives of the local government were present. Later, the valid comments and suggestions from the local stakeholders were incorporated in the draft proposal and validation meetings with the same stakeholders were organized on the revised draft proposals containing their suggestions and comments in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner. This was followed by meetings with national-level stakeholders, where conservationists, scientists, and high-ranking officials were presented with the proposal and asked for their comments and feedback. A total of 3 meetings were held where top government officials from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the Bangladesh Forest Department, the Livestock Department, students and teachers of various universities, and conservationists were present. And finally, the proposal was sent to the Ministry of Environment and Forests for approval and gazette notification. 34

35 No. of Vultures Compilation of all baselines survey reports Identified all kinds of present threats for Vulture Develop a draft proposal with Mapping and Consultation Meetings with local Finalize the proposal and send it MoEf for Govt Approval National Level Stakeholders meetings where all high official different level Feedback meeting with same stakeholders on revised proposal for validation(6) Updated the draft Proposal and incorporated the stakeholders Recommendation Govt. Approve Two VSZs and Geggetteed Figure1: Flowchart showing steps needed for declaration of Vulture Safe Zone Population Census The population survey of the White-rumped vulture was carried out in 26 districts through a field survey. Out of the 26 districts, the field survey was carried out in 22 districts, and in 4 districts information was taken and interviews conducted with the local people/community. Out of the 26 districts, vultures were found in only twelve districts. Moreover, the number of vultures apart from the White-rumped Vulture was also counted, viz. Slender-billed vulture (2), Himalayn vulture (110), Euresian Griffon vulture (12), Egyptian vulture (1) and Cinereous vulture (7). The total number of White-rumped Vultures found from the census was 260 individuals (Alam et.al. 2015). Population Survey of Vultures Districts Figure2: Population survey of White-rumped vulture in Bangladesh 35

36 Pharmacy Survey The sample market survey shows the comparison of availability of veterinary drugs at different times. The pharmacy survey is carried out in three tiers- undercover, open and undercover. The first undercover pharmacy survey of 235 pharmacies (both human and veterinary) was carried out in the local drug stores in 22 districts (out of 64 districts of Bangladesh) from April - September The districts (local administrative unit) were selected randomly based on the past and present vulture habitat sites. Out of 235 pharmacies, 54% drug stores contained veterinary drugs. As an active ingredient, diclofenac, ketoprofen and Meloxicam found in 24%, 40% and 24% of drugs in different surveyed stores respectively. Among the total number of diclofenac drugs, 50% are Indian diclofenac, which are illegally used and traded in the border area (Alam 2015b). 12% 4% 4% 1st Undercover Pharmacy Survey 4% 40% Ketoprofen 12% Meloxicam 24% Figure 2: 1 st Undercover pharmacy survey showing percentage of different active ingredients The Open Pharmacy Survey/ Awareness Campaign involved sensitization of pharmacy owners about harmful and safe drugs for vulture. The vulture team sensitized pharmacy owners regarding selling/trading/ using the banned drug diclofenac, highlighting the harmful effects of diclofenac to vultures and the environment. Campaigners distributed and pasted awareness-raising brochures and posters to pharmacies to enable them to understand the problem at different administrative units in the country. The second undercover pharmacy survey (carried out in 2015) revealed no presence of harmful diclofenac in VSZ-1. Diclofenac is now only found in the border areas (Bangladesh-India) of VSZ-2 but there is a positive decrease of this drug (24% to 8%). 2nd Undercover Phrmacy Survey 8% 12% 20% 4% 4% 52% Ketoprofen Meloxicam Diclofenac Figure3: 2nd Undercover pharmacy survey showing decrease of diclofenac 36

37 Institutional Mechanism The Government approved VCTs consist of three tiers ranging from local to district administrations, are comprised of individuals from a cross-section of the community, and are directly interlinked with the MoEF and BNVRC. The VCTs are the core institution for the VSZ management and adhere to a specific Terms of Reference. The White-rumped Vulture Conservation in Bangladesh Project in collaboration with Bangladesh Forest Department has already formed six Village VCTs in different areas. The Village VCT is responsible for the implementation of the field works while the other two tiers are involved in advocacy and monitoring of the Village VCT. Some encouraging progress has been made over the past couple of years, by bringing in local people, the Forest Department, the veterinary drug sector and other stakeholders together to conserve vultures through reduction of harmful drug use and habitat improvement along with better protection of the vulture nesting sites by involving community watches and fencing and large reductions in Diclofenac use. Six village VCTs consist of 71 people. The members of a VCT meet bi-monthly to assess their activities and drawbacks. The major activities of village VCTs include 1. Monitoring and protection of vulture nests and nesting trees; 2. Rescue of vultures; 3. food supply to vultures; 4. an awareness campaign (Alam et.al. 2015). Conclusion After two years of conservation practices, government declared VSZs have been established where government approved Vulture Conservation Teams (VCTs) are now working towards the management of these zones. The population trend of vultures is known and the presence of harmful drugs in VSZs has been assessed. The community-based vulture monitoring shows that the breeding success of vultures in VSZ-1 (vulture hotspot) increased from 53% to 66% within two years. The banning of ketoprofen is on-going. Furthermore, a vulture feeding station has been introduced to provide safe supplemental food. A new hope is initiated for vultures through the implementation of the Bangladesh Vulture Conservation Action Plan (BVCAP). Details of this data and analysis will be prepared in an upcoming book that focuses on vulture conservation measures and challenges in Bangladesh. 37

38 References Alam, A.B.M.S. 2015a. White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) Conservation in Bangladesh:Establishment of Toxic Drug Free Vulture Safe Zones (VSZ) and Monitoring of the Population Trend projrct Quarterly Progress Report (October-December, 2015). IUCN, Bangladesh. Alam, A.B.M.S. 2015b. White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) Conservation in Bangladesh:Establishment of Toxic Drug Free Vulture Safe Zones (VSZ) and Monitoring of the Population Trend projrct Annual Progress Report (March 2014-February, 2015). IUCN, Bangladesh. Alam, A.B.M.S., Ahammed, R., Rawshan, K., Nasim, R Shokun Porjobekhon Sohayeka. IUCN, Bangladesh. Khan, M. M. H White-rumped Vulture in Bangladesh-population, breeding and threats. Dhaka:Vulture Research and Conservation Programme of Bangladesh. SAVE th Saving Asia s Vultures from Extinction Annual Report, including Blueprint for Recovery. Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL, UK. 38

39 Paper 5: A decade of vulture conservation in Nepal By: Khadananda Paudel 1, 2*, Toby H. Galligan 3, Krishna P. Bhusal 1, Ishana Thapa 1, Richard J. Cuthbert 3, 4, Christopher G. R. Bowden 5, Racchya Shah 6, Narendra M. B. Pradhan 1 1 Bird Conservation Nepal, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal 2 Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kavreplanchowk, Nepal 3 RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, SG19 2DL UK 4 Wildlife Conservation Society, PO Box 277, Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. 5 Globally Threatened Species Recovery Unit, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, SG19 2DL UK 6 IUCN Nepal, Kupandole, Lalitpur, Nepal * Corresponding author: Khadananda Paudel, knpaudel@gmail.com Abstract Nine species of vultures have been recorded in Nepal. Seven species have undergone considerable decline in recent years and have had their global threat status lifted. In Nepal, the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug diclofenac, to which vultures are highly intolerant, but exposed to through the carcasses of treated livestock, caused massive declines in vulture populations. In order to halt the declines, veterinary diclofenac was banned, Vulture Conservation Action Plans for Nepal ( and ) were prepared and implemented, and Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) assumed the mantle of vulture conservation. BCN-RSPB initiated an integrated approach, which involved advocacy, education, monitoring, research, captive breeding, supplementary feeding and site protection. BCN-RSPB established a Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre and pioneered Diclofenac-Free Districts, Vulture Safe Feeding Sites and Vulture Safe Zones. The provisional Vulture Safe Zone in Nepal covers more than half of the country with essentially no diclofenac available. In response, vulture populations are stable and nest numbers are likely to be increasing. However, vultures remain vulnerable; therefore, conservation actions need to continue. Key words: vulture, considerable decline, Vulture Safe Zone, Diclofenac Free Districts, Vulture Safe Feeding Sites, captive breeding. Introduction Nine species of vultures have been recorded in Nepal, namely: the White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis (WRV), Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris (SBV), Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus (RHV), Indian Vulture Gyps indicus (IV), Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus (EV), Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus (BV), Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis (HG ), Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus (CV) and Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus (GV) (BCN and DNPWC, 2016). Among these six (WRV, SBV, RHV, EV, BV and HG) are resident breeders, one is a winter migrant (CV), one is a passage migrant (GV) and one is a vagrant species (IV) (BCN and DNPWC, 2011; DNPWC, 2015). Four species (WRV, SBV, RHV and IV) are listed as Critically Endangered, one species (EV) is listed as Endangered and another three species are listed as Near Threatened (BV, CV, HG) by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, 2016). In all cases, these species have had their threat status recently updated in response to massive population declines primarily in South Asia. Nationwide road-transect surveys in the lowlands of Nepal between 1995 and 2011 showed 91% and 96% declines in populations of the WRV and SBV respectively (Chaudhary et al., 2012). 39

40 Declines of similar magnitude and timing in up to five species of vultures have been observed in Bangladesh (Khan, 2013), India (Prakash et al., 2012; Galligan et al., 2014) and Pakistan (Gilbert et al., 2006). The cause of declines in Gyps vultures has been shown to be the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac (Oaks et al., 2004, Swarup et al., 2007, Green et al., 2004, 2007), which was widely used to treat livestock in South Asia in the 1990s and 2000s. Vultures are exposed to diclofenac by feeding on livestock carcasses that contain residues of this drug. A postmortem examination of dead or dying birds from India and Nepal showed a high incidence of diclofenac residues and visceral gout (Shultz et al., 2004). Mathematical modeling of data indicated that only a small proportion (1 in 130) of carcasses contaminated with lethal levels of diclofenac could have caused the vulture mortality rate, and diclofenac poisoning was the main or sole cause of vulture population declines (Green et al., 2004, 2007). Diclofenac is nephrotoxic at low doses to all species of Gyps vultures tested so far (Oaks et al., 2004, Swan et al., 2006, Naidoo et al., 2009, Das et al., 2010); possibly other vulture species too, given the similarity in the magnitude and timing of declines in these species (Acharya et al., 2010, Galligan et al., 2014); and probably other raptors (Sharma et al., 2014). Other NSAIDs currently available in Nepal are vulture-toxic too, specifically: aceclofenac (Galligan et al., 2016); ketoprofen (Naidoo et al., 2009); and nimesulide (Cuthbert et al., 2015). The toxicity of yet more remain unknown. The recovery of threatened vulture species in Nepal relies on the control of all of these vulture-toxic NSAIDs. Conservation actions in Nepal In order to halt the decline of Gyps vultures in Nepal, both in-situ and ex-situ conservation of these birds has been practiced. The Government of Nepal banned the production and use of veterinary diclofenac in 2006; prepared and implemented the Vulture Conservation Action Plan for Nepal ( ); and prepared the Vulture Conservation Action Plan for Nepal ( ), which is currently being implemented (DNPWC, 2015). Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) assumed the mantle of vulture conservation in Nepal. BCN-RSPB initiated an integrated approach for the conservation of vultures, which involves advocacy, education, monitoring, research, captive breeding, supplementary feeding and site protection to help implement Vulture Conservation Action Plans. In 2008, a Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre was established in Chitwan National Park in collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and Nepal Trust for Nature Conservation; and, starting in 2009, BCN-RSPB pioneered the idea of working with local communities to establish Diclofenac-Free Districts (DFD), Vulture Safe Feeding Sites (VSFS) and the greater Vulture Safe Zone (VSZ) (Figure 1; Paudel, 2013). In-situ Conservation BCN-RSPB s main in-situ conservation activity is the creation of a VSZ, which is an area greater than 30,000 km 2 that encompasses at least one Gyps vulture nesting colony, suitable foraging habitat and food sources free of diclofenac. The provisional VSZ (pvsz) in the western lowlands of Nepal extends from Chitwan district to Kanchanpur district and covers an area of 99, 143 km 2 (Figure 1). BCN-RSPB work with entire communities within the pvsz to bring an end to diclofenac and other threats to vultures. In doing so, BCN-RSPB engage government agencies, non-government organizations and community groups to further disseminate vulture conservation messages and take actions to protect vultures. BCN s Vulture Conservation Programme Team, which includes a Coordinator, Community Mobiliser, Field Veterinarian and Field Biologist, regularly communicate with the community; monitor vulture populations and the prevalence of diclofenac; and investigate additional threats to vultures. Approximately 30 nesting colonies of vultures (largely WRV, but all other resident breeders) are protected within the pvsz. Following this lead, provisional VSZs are now being implemented in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. The pvsz is made up of 45 DFDs, with another four satellite DFDs outside the pvsz (Figure 1). The pvsz is expanded by focusing conservation efforts at the district level, engaging district government agencies and creating DFDs. A DFD is one where district government agencies have 40

41 sworn to end veterinary use of diclofenac; and where monitoring veterinary pharmacies show no diclofenac availability. Within the pvsz, six community-run VSFS have been established. Communities at these sites take in old and ailing cattle from local farmers and care for these animals, without the use of vulture-toxic NSAIDs, until their natural death and then provide their carcasses to vultures. Only animals that die after 10 days in the care of the community are provided in case these animals were treated with NSAIDs before arriving at the VSFS. The communities sell the hides, bones and manure in return for caring for the cattle and vultures. These communities are further supported with income generating activities, such as setting up bee, fish and chicken farms, purchasing pumps for irrigating cropland and attracting tourists to visit the sites. VSFSs provide nature enthusiasts a rare opportunity to see significant numbers of multiple threatened species, the thrilling spectacle of vultures feeding, and vulture conservation messages. On a national scale, BCN-RSPB advocate bans on vulture-toxic NSAIDs, like aceclofenac, ketoprofen and nimesulide, to government agencies. In addition, BCN-RSPB have convinced a pharmaceuticals manufacturer to discontinue the production and sale of a multiple dose (30 ml) formulation of diclofenac intended for human use, but suitable for livestock use. Figure 1: Map of Nepal showing Diclofenac-Free Districts (area shaded green). Ex-situ Conservation VCBC was established as an insurance against the continuing decline of Gyps vultures. It currently houses 57 WRVs in two colony aviaries. Vultures were taken as fledglings from the wild to stock the centre in Only two pairs have successfully reared a chick to date; but now that the vultures are mature, their attempts at rearing young have been more successful. Special, husbandry and veterinary support is provided by the International Centre for Birds of Prey and Zoological Society of London. 41

42 Achievements The availability of diclofenac in the pvsz is essentially zero. BCN-RSPB overt surveys found no diclofenac in 300 veterinary pharmacies between 2012 and 2013; however, diclofenac was found in covert surveys in two towns in the same period. BCN-RSPB stepped-up its conservation actions; resurveyed veterinary pharmacies in 2014 and again in 2015; and found no diclofenac in the 85 towns and cities surveyed each year. As a result, this now appears to be among the safer areas for vultures in the subcontinent in this respect. The overall nest numbers of WRV in the pvsz (Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, Kapilbastu, Dang, Kailali and Kanchanpur districts) is likely to increase (Figure 2). The increase has been gradual, as is to be expected. Surveys at WRV nesting colonies in the breeding season found 130 more nests than in the breeding season. Across the years, new nesting colonies and the nests within have been added to the overall total. Some of these may be colonies that were not found in earlier years, but others may actually be new colonies, as can be expected from a recovering population. The population trend for WRVs in the pvsz is stable (Figure 3). Each year, BCN-RSPB survey vultures along a road transect running east to west through the pvsz. After the devastating years of decline, little population change between 2009 and 2015 has been noticed; however, the population of this species and other vultures remain small and therefore vulnerable. Figure 2: absolute count of active nest of WRV during surveys in the pvsz ( ). 42