Nine rare vultures spotted

Hope rises of species returning to South Punjab

LAHORE:

At least nine rare vultures belonging to two species have been spotted in the tribal area of Rojhan in Rajanpur district, raising hopes of their return to parts of South Punjab.

According to wildlife officials, the birds belong to the Himalayan griffon and cinereous vulture species.

Wildlife rangers have begun monitoring their movement and stay in the area to ensure their safety and assess the conditions of their natural habitat.

The Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department said sightings of different vulture species had been reported intermittently from various parts of the region over the past year.

The latest sighting is significant because of the presence of the birds in the same area.

However, continued monitoring and evidence would be required to establish whether the sightings indicate a permanent return or successful breeding in the region.

According to experts, one of the major reasons behind a sharp decline in the vulture population in Punjab is the use of a drug administered to livestock. Studies have found that vultures feeding on the carcasses of animals treated with the drug suffered kidney failure, resulting in widespread deaths.

The government had banned the veterinary use of diclofenac in 2006, although other toxic drugs, contaminated food sources and habitat loss continue to pose threats.

A vulture breeding centre is operating in the Changa Manga forest to support the conservation. Established by WWF-Pakistan in collaboration with partners, the facility focuses on the captive breeding of white-rumped vultures with the aim of increasing their population and reintroducing them into their habitats.

Vultures play an important role in maintaining ecological balance by feeding on animal carcasses and helping prevent the spread of certain diseases. Their declining population can disrupt natural ecosystems, making habitat protection, access to safe food and the prevention of toxic veterinary drug use essential for their conservation.