Thematic training in Assam to protect vultures

Guwahati: Assam's forest guardians received thematic training on vulture conservation and rescue, as Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), Sivasagar and Baksa, among a few other districts, emerged as vulnerable regions concerning vulture populations.
Vultures serve a vital role in ecosystems as scavengers, disposing of animal carcasses and preventing disease proliferation. The rapid decline, predominantly caused by the veterinary drug diclofenac and similar drugs, habitat destruction, and poisoning, created a substantial ecological imbalance.
Among the six vulture species found in Assam, three critically endangered species are the Oriental White Backed, Slender Billed, and King Vulture. The Himalayan Griffon and Cinereous vultures from Europe and the Himalayas migrate to Assam annually during winter.
Assam Forest School, Jalukbari, organised the two-day thematic training on vulture conservation and rescue. Funded by the Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation society, the event held on Monday and Tuesday aimed to bolster the capabilities of frontline staff of the Assam forest department in vulture monitoring, threat mitigation and rescue response.
Dimpi Bora, director, Assam Forest School, Jalukbari, discussed vulture conservation efforts in Kamrup West Division, describing her systematic approach to poisoning issues through community engagement, youth involvement and collaboration with social workers, scientists and forest staff.
"A quick response team, mass awareness programme and proactive actions such as plantation, honouring the hard-working staff were my initiatives that changed the picture assuring a safe abode for vultures," Bora said.
Jogen Chandra Kalita, professor of Zoology and former dean of the faculty of science at Gauhati University, attended the event as chief guest and discussed women empowerment in conservation leadership. Expert sessions featured Sachin Ranade, senior centre manager, and Aniket Pawar, biologist from Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) at Rani. Jayashree Naiding, senior wildlife warden, Assam, and Bora shared their vulture rescue experiences with trainees.
Ranade initiated the training with comprehensive information on biodiversity, vulture species diversity in India and Assam. Pawar emphasised post-release monitoring's significance in vulture conservation, instructed participants on identifying tagged vultures, and highlighted the forest department's conservation role. Naiding recounted poisoning incidents at Demow, Sivasagar, and detailed her rescue operation management with forest staff, veterinary staff and BNHS.
The second day included a field visit to the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) at Rani.
The training concluded with a valedictory session attended by Jayanta Nath, working plan officer, LAC.