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© WWF-Pakistan

Together For Vultures

© WWF-Pakistan

The Vulture's History

Protecting Nature’s Essential Guardians

Vultures have been a vital part of ecosystems worldwide, particularly in South Asia, where they were once widespread and abundant. These scavengers play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by efficiently disposing of animal carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases. However, in the 1990s, South Asian vulture populations, especially species like the White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus), and Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris), experienced a catastrophic decline. The primary cause of this decline was the veterinary drug diclofenac, which, when consumed through treated livestock carcasses, caused kidney failure in vultures. This sudden population crash led to several vulture species being classified as Critically Endangered, underscoring the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts. Furthermore, the decline in vulture numbers has contributed to the rise of feral dog populations, which has led to increased transmission of diseases like rabies. This illustrates the broader ecological disruption caused by the loss of vultures, further highlighting the need for their protection.
Why Protect Vultures?

Vultures play a vital role in ecosystems by efficiently recycling nutrients and disposing of organic waste, preventing the spread of diseases like anthrax, botulism, and rabies among wildlife, livestock, and humans. As obligate scavengers, they help eliminate carcasses, reducing the risk of harmful bacteria build-up. Their natural waste management service saves millions of euros in disposal costs and prevents the emission of CO2. Vultures also provide cultural, spiritual, and recreational value through ecotourism, highlighting their significance in both environmental and economic contexts.
What You'll Get

  • E-certificate
  • Membership Card
  • Water Bottle + Keychain
Threats to Vultures

  • Diclofenac and Other NSAIDs: Poisoning from consuming livestock carcasses treated with harmful veterinary drugs.
  • Habitat Loss: Deforestation and land conversion reduce roosting, nesting and feeding sites.
  • Food Scarcity: Decline in livestock numbers and changes in carcass disposal practices limit available food.
  • Chemical Poisoning: Accidental ingestion of pesticides or intentional poisoning of carcasses.
  • Electrocution and Collisions: Fatal interactions with power lines and wind turbines.
  • Illegal Killing: Hunting for traditional medicine or cultural rituals.
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Facts and Figures

  • Vulture Species:

    • There are 23 vulture species worldwide, with 15 Old World vultures (found in Africa, Asia, and Europe) and 8 New World vultures (native to the Americas).

  • Breeding and Lifespan:

    • Vultures breed slowly, typically raising only one chick per year, and can live up to 30 years in the wild.

  • Sight and Flight:

    • Vultures have excellent eyesight, capable of spotting food from great distances. They are skilled at soaring at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet.

  • Population Record in 2024:

    • In 2024, 14 White-rumped Vultures were recorded in road transects in District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including 4 adults and 3 nestlings. Out of 13 observed nests, only a few were occupied.

  • Breeding Success:

    • The White-backed Vulture colony at Changa Manga breeding facility successfully fledged three new chicks in 2024, bringing the colony size up to 25, marking the best breeding year yet.
Become a Vulture Protector on Our Donate Page