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16.3.12 . Measures taken to Conserve Vultures


The veterinary drug Diclofenac has been banned by Indian and Nepalese governments.


Meloxicam, a safe alternative for vultures and other scavenging birds, is being promoted as an effective replacement.

Government of India has formulated a National Action Plan (2006) on Vulture Conservation. The Action Plan provides for strategies, actions for containing the decline of vulture population through ex-situ, in-situ vulture conservation.

Protection status of White backed, Long Billed and Slender Billed Vultures has been upgraded from Schedule IV to Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Vultures Safety Zone.


Vulture Restaurant sites.


A ‘Vulture Captive Care facility’ has been established at Panchkula.


The State Governments have been advised to set up vulture care centres for the conservation of three species of vultures.

Captive breeding centers have been established to secure healthy birds from the wild for breeding in captivity for purposes of conservation and future release.

Awareness raising activities targeting various groups such as veterinarians, pharmacists, school children, government agencies, conservation partners and local communities are being organized regularly.