Assam: Aaranyak engages Sivasagar students in fight for vulture conservation

Sivasagar: Alarmed by the rapid decline of vultures in the region, Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organization, organized an awareness workshop for students and teachers at Hafaluting High School in Assam's Sivasagar district.

Over 100 participants engaged in discussions about the critical role vultures play in our ecosystem and the urgent need for their protection.

Local environmental enthusiast Bijit Dutta and Aaranyak's Eastern Assam Zone Coordinator, Hiren Dutta, shed light on the importance and challenges faced by vultures.

"Sivasagar was once a haven for these magnificent birds," shared Hiren Dutta. "Sadly, their numbers have dwindled due to several threats, including habitat loss, poisoning from livestock medication, and lack of suitable nesting sites," he said.

Highlighting the alarming incidents, Dutta said, "In 2021 alone, 58 vultures perished in Sivasagar – 39 due to poisoning and 19 from consuming poisoned carcasses. The remaining vultures were rescued and treated, but their future remains precarious."

He mentioned that habitat loss is another major concern. "Suitable nesting trees, once abundant in villages and towns, are vanishing due to human development," explained Dutta.

"This forces vultures to nest in unsafe areas, jeopardizing their breeding success," he said.

"We're installing awareness posters in areas where vultures are at risk. Educating young minds is crucial. By understanding the threats and their role in the ecosystem, students can become powerful advocates for vulture conservation," Dutta said.