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UPSC HIMALAYAN VULTURE: GYPS HIMALAYENSIS - English

HIMALAYAN VULTURE: GYPS HIMALAYENSIS

Why in News?

Recently, the Assam State Zoo in Guwahati has achieved a groundbreaking feat by successfully breeding the elusive Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in captivity for the first time in India.

What are the Key Highlights of the Himalayan Vulture ?

Conservation Status:

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Near Threatened.
• CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora): Appendix II.

Distinctive Characteristics:

• The Himalayan vulture is one of the largest Old World vulture species, boasting an impressive wingspan and formidable presence.
• Its plumage is dominated by shades of black and brown, which aid in its camouflage against the rugged mountain terrain.
• The vulture's powerful hooked beak and keen eyesight make it a proficient scavenger, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carrion.

Habitat and Range:

• The Himalayan vulture is aptly named, as it primarily inhabits the towering peaks and valleys of the Himalayan mountain range.
• It is a common winter migrant to the Indian plains.
• Its range extends across several countries, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China, where it thrives in challenging high-altitude environments.

Ecological Significance:

• As a top predator and scavenger, the Himalayan vulture plays a vital role in maintaining the health of its habitat by efficiently disposing of animal remains.
• Its scavenging behavior helps prevent the spread of diseases that could arise from decaying carcasses, thus contributing to the overall balance of the ecosystem.

Challenges and Conservation Efforts:

• Breeding the Himalayan vulture in captivity posed challenges due to its natural breeding habits in snow-clad mountains.
• Successful breeding at the zoo was made possible through long-term captivity and acclimatization to the tropical environment.
• Factors such as habitat loss, food scarcity, and accidental poisoning from veterinary drugs have contributed to its vulnerable status.
• Conservation breeding centers, such as the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) at Rani, Assam, are instrumental in safeguarding vulture species.

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