Online Desk:Communities are being engaged in the conservation of the dwindling species of vultures

Vultures, termed natural cleansers, have become nearly extinct with nearly 50% of all vulture species either wiped out or on the verge of extinction. The White-rumped Vulture, locally known as Raj shokun, declined over 99% in just two decades with only 260 currently in existence. However, many initiatives, such as banning harmful drugs and rigorous conservation initiatives, have led to a natural breeding of vultures, leading to an increase in their number from 44% to 57% in five years.

A webinar on the occasion of International Vulture Awareness Day on Friday illustrated the current situation of vulture conservation in Bangladesh.

In the last decade, many initiatives have been taken to conserve vultures, such as banning diclofenac, establishing Vulture Safe Zone (VSZ), formulating the Bangladesh Vulture Conservation Action Plan, etc. One recent achievement in the sector has been the ban on veterinary use of another harmful drug, Ketoprofen, in the country since February 8.

Moreover, large pharmaceutical companies like Renata and Acme are not only manufacturing but also promoting the use of Maloxicam, a safer alternative drug. There are currently 13 other companies producing the drug as well.