Guwahati, Sept 3: Students and researchers from Assam have developed a first-of-its-kind online portal dedicated to vultures of India, offering a comprehensive knowledge and awareness platform for conservation. The portal — www.thevulturenetwork.org — was unveiled on International Vulture Awareness Day (September 2), observed annually to highlight the importance of vultures and the urgent need for their protection.
To mark the occasion, We Foundation India, in collaboration with the Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, organised an event that brought together conservationists, researchers, scientists, academicians, and students to deliberate on the status of vultures in India and the actions required for their survival.
Dr. Nilutpal Mahanta of We Foundation India delivered the keynote lecture on The Vulture Crisis and Conservation Needs. Following this, The Vulture Network — a cloud-based portal designed as a knowledge and outreach hub — was officially launched. The platform compiles scientific information, spreads awareness, and provides freely downloadable materials for campaigns, aiming to make conservation accessible to both experts and local communities.
The initiative is supported by multiple partner organisations, including We Foundation India, Assam Bird Monitoring Network, LASA Foundation, Surksha Samitee, and contributions from individual researchers and conservationists.
The portal was inaugurated by a panel of dignitaries: retired Professor and former Head of Zoology at Gauhati University, Dr. Prasanta Kr. Saikia, current Head of the Department of Zoology, Prof. Dandadhar Sarma, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Rohini Ballav Saikia, Cotton University Assistant Professor Dr. Narayan Sarma, and Scientific Officer of the Assam State Biodiversity Board, Dr. Oinam Sunanda Devi. The launch was described as a crucial step toward unifying knowledge and outreach for vulture conservation in India.
The programme also featured a presentation on citizen science by Dr. Rupam Bhaduri from the Assam Bird Monitoring Network, followed by a brainstorming session on the vulture crisis moderated by Gauhati University faculty members Dr. Malabika K. Saikia and Dr. Kuladip Sarma.
Experts highlighted the ongoing threats that continue to decimate vulture populations in India — including carcass poisoning, harmful veterinary drugs such as diclofenac, and deep-rooted negative social perceptions. Special attention was given to the Slender-billed Vulture, which has a precarious surviving population of only about 800 mature individuals.
Participants proposed innovative strategies to integrate scientific research with local community involvement, emphasising that grassroots engagement is critical for sustaining vulture conservation. Nutritional awareness, safe food sources for vultures, and increased monitoring were among the solutions discussed.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Sangeeta Das, Assistant Professor at Pragjyotish College, who acknowledged the contributions of participants, partner organisations, and volunteers. She noted that the launch of the portal had created momentum for future initiatives aimed at ensuring the survival and recovery of these critically endangered birds.
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