Source: TH
Context:
On September 2, 2025 (International Vulture Awareness Day), India’s first vulture conservation knowledge portal was launched in Assam to boost awareness, data-sharing, and stakeholder collaboration in saving endangered vulture species.
Key Highlights:
- Launched by: We Foundation India (Assam-based NGO) in collaboration with Gauhati University’s Department of Zoology, supported by Assam Bird Monitoring Network, LASA Foundation, Suraksha Samitee, and independent conservationists.
- Portal Name: The Vulture Network.
- Features:
- Cloud-based knowledge hub.
- Awareness materials in local languages (starting with Assamese).
- Information on vulture ecology, threats (carcass poisoning, diclofenac, electrocution, food scarcity).
- Scientific data + downloadable outreach content.
- Platform to connect researchers, NGOs, citizens, and policymakers.
- Focus species: Slender-billed Vulture (only ~800 mature individuals left in India).
- India’s vulture diversity: 9 species, of which White-rumped, Indian, and Slender-billed are Critically Endangered.