vulture conservation action plan for nepal final, 20 july 2009...output vi: partnership among...

Vulture Conservation Action Plan for Nepal

(2009-2013)

Government of Nepal Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation

Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

© 2009 Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation,Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

Citation DNPWC/MoFSC/GoN 2009. Vulture Conservation Action Plan for Nepal(2009—2013). Kathmandu. Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

WaiverThe materials of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for education or non-commercial uses, without special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made.

No use of this publication may be made for resale or other commercial purposes without prior written permission of the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

Task Force Coordinator: Mr. Shyam Bajimaya

Joint Secretary, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation

Members:1. Mr. Shiv Raj Bhatta Management Officer, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation 2. Dr. Narendra Man Babu Pradhan Chief Warden, Chitwan National Park 3. Mr. Jhamak B. Karki Under Secretary (Technical), Department of National Parks and Wildlife

Conservation4. Mr. Ganesh Pant Assistant Warden, Chitwan National Park 5. Dr. Shant Raj Jnawali National Trust for Nature Conservation 6. Dr. Hem Sagar Baral Advisor, Bird Conservation Nepal 7. Mr. Ram Chandra Nepal National Trust for Nature Conservation 8. Mr. Binod Basnet National Trust for Nature Conservation 9. Ms. Ishana Thapa Bird Conservation Nepal 10 Mr. Anand Chaudhary Bird Conservation Nepal

Acronyms

AWBV African White-backed Vulture

BCN Bird Conservation Nepal

BNHS Bombay Natural History Society

BZCF Buffer Zone Community Forest

CCTV Closed-circuit Television

CF Community Forest

CNP Chitwan National Park

DDA Department of Drug Administration

DLS Department of Livestock Services

DNPWC Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

EGV Eurasian Griffon Vulture

HGV Himalayan Griffon Vulture

IEC Information Education and Communication

IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature

IVRI Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly

LBV Long-billed Vulture

LRP Local Resource Person

MLE Maximum Likely level of Exposure

MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forests, India

MoFSC Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Nepal

NBPT National Bird of Prey Trust

NSAID Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs

NTNC National Trust for Nature Conservation

OSP Ornithological Society of Pakistan

RSBP Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

SBV Slender-billed Vulture

TPF The Peregrine Fund

VCAP Vulture Conservation Action Plan

VCBC Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre

WII Wildlife Institute of India

WRV White-rumped Vulture

ZSL Zoological Society of London

Table of Contents

Acronyms iForeword iiiAcknowledgements ivExecutive Summary v

Chapter 1: The Context 1-6

1.1. Introduction and Background 1 1.2. Efforts and Achievements 3 1.2.1. National and Regional Meetings 3 1.2.2. Alternative Drugs to Diclofenac 3 1.2.3. In-situ Conservation and Availability of Safe Food 4 1.2.4. Ex-situ Conservation 4 1.3. Challenges and Opportunities 5 1.3.1. Population Decline 5 1.3.2. Risk of Continued Use of Diclofenac 5 1.3.3. Knowledge Base 5 1.3.4 Strengths and Capacities 5 1.3.5. Habitat Management 6 1.3.6. Awareness 6 1.3.7. Avian Influenza 6 1.3.8. International Cooperation 6

Chapter 2: Vulture Conservation Action Plan 7-11

2.1. Goal 72.2. Objective 72.3. Outputs 7 OUTPUT I: Complete ban on Diclofenac and other non-tested NSAIDs secured,

and alternative safe NSAIDs (including Meloxicam) promoted 7 OUTPUT II: Level of vulture conservation awareness among general public increased 8 OUTPUT III: Breeding population of vultures in the wild increased 9 OUTPUT IV: Critically endangered vultures species successfully raised in captivity 9 OUTPUT V: Science based information system established 10 OUTPUT VI: Partnership among national and international organizations fostered 10

2.4 Business Plan 122.4.1 Institutional Arrangements 12 2.4.2 Human Resources 12 2.4.3 Physical Resources 13 2.4.4 Financial Requirements 13 2.4.5 Implementation 13 2.4.6 Monitoring and Evaluation 13

References 14

Appendices 15-28

Appendix 1: Photographs of Vulture Species of Nepal 15-16 Appendix 2: Trend of vulture decline in Nepal 17Appendix 3: Geographical distribution of vulture species 18 Appendix 4: Phylogeny 19 Appendix 5: Five years costing of Vulture Conservation Action Plan 20-23 Appendix 6: Logical Framework of the Vulture Conservation Action Plan 24-28

ForewordToday, nine species of vultures have been recorded from South Asia. Of these, eight are resident and one migratory. Nepal supports six resident vulture species (white-rumped vulture Gyps bengalensis, slender-billed vulture Gyps tenuirostris, Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus, red-headed vulture Sarcogyps calvus, Himalayan griffon vulture Gyps himalayensis, and Lammergeier vulture Gypaetus barbatus), one winter visitor (Cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus) and one passage migrant (Eurasian griffon vulture Gyps fulvus). The long-billed vulture Gyps indicus is not found in Nepal.

The sharp decline in population of two species Gyps vultures, slender-billed vulture Gyps tenuirostris and the Oriental white-backed vulture Gyps bengalensis has become a serious concern among the conservationists. These two species have been listed as "Critically Endangered" in the IUCN Red List, the highest category of endangerment. The 3rd IUCN World Conservation Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2004, passed a resolution on ‘Conservation of Gyps species of Vultures in South and Southeast Asia’. The Congress also requested all the vulture range countries to develop and implement national vulture recovery plans, including conservation breeding and release.

High mortality and total breeding failure were assumed to be the major cause of population decline, but later Diclofenac, and analgesic drug widely used in livestock, has been identified as the major cause of vulture mortality. The studies have confirmed that contamination of less than 1% of livestock carcasses with lethal quantities of Diclofenac would be enough to have caused the observed vulture declines. The loss of natural habitats has also threatened the long term survival of vulture in the wild. Realizing the high risk of extinction, captive breeding of these two species of vulture have also been initiated in Kasara, Chitwan National Park. The Vulture Conservation Action Plan for Nepal (2009—2013) is a part of the greater effort of the Government of Nepal to conserve and consolidate the conservation initiatives for all vulture species found in Nepal.

The Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) greatly acknowledges the effort of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation for its dedication and hard work in bringing out this action plan. The Ministry also appreciates the contribution of the National Trust for Nature Conservation, Bird Conservation Nepal, Zoological Society of London and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The Ministry also appeals all to join hands in Nepal's endeavour of vulture conservation and successful implementation of the Action Plan.

____________

Yuba Raj Bhusal Secretary

Acknowledgements

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation acknowledges and highly appreciates the continuous support of National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Zoological Society of London (ZSL) for continuous support in vulture conservation in Nepal.

The guidance, support and cooperation provided by the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation and the different departments under it also deserve special appreciation. The role of Mr. Juddha B. Gurung, Member Secretary of NTNC; Mr. Bimal Kumar Baniya, NTNC's former Member Secretary, Dr. Hum B. Gurung, Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Hem Sagar Baral, BCN's former Chief Executive Officer, is highly appreciated for providing financial and logistics support to the preparation of the Plan.

I would like to thank the Task Force Team Members, especially Mr. Shyam Bajimaya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Dr. Narendra Man Babu Pradhan, Mr. Shiv Raj Bhatt, Mr. Jhamak B. Karki and Mr. Ganesh Pant from DNPWC; Dr. Shant Raj Jnawali, Mr. Ram Chandra Nepal and Mr. Binod Basnet from NTNC; Mr. Deependra Joshi, Mr. Anand Chaudhary and Ms. Ishana Thapa from BCN; Dr. Richard Cuthbert from RSPB and Mr. Nick Lindsay from ZSL for their tireless efforts in preparing the Action Plan. Ms. Sarita Jnawali and Dr. Binab Karmacharya also deserve thanks for their input into the Plan.

Finally, I thank all stakeholders, local communities and those people who have directly or indirectly provided their comments and suggestions in finalising the Plan.

________________________Gopal Prasad Upadhyay Director General

Executive Summary Vultures play important role in maintaining clean environment through rapid consumption of animal carcasses and human dead bodies in the form of sky burials within Nepal and Tibet. Nine different species of vultures have been recorded from South Asia. Nepal supports six resident vulture species (white-rumped vulture Gypsbengalensis, slender-billed vulture Gypstenuirostris, Egyptian vulture Neophronpercnopterus, red-headed vulture Sarcogyps calvus, Himalayan griffon vulture Gyps himalayensis, and Lammergeier Vulture Gypaetus barbatus), one winter visitor (Cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus) and one passage migrant (Eurasian griffon vulture Gyps fulvus).

In recent years, vulture population throughout the range states have undergone dramatic declines in numbers. Monitoring of vultures in Nepal indicate over 90% decreases in numbers from 1995 to 2009. Extensive research undertaken during the recent past has confirmed Diclofenac, anti- inflammatory drug widely used to treat livestock as the main cause of the vulture population decline. Vultures are exposed to Diclofenac when they feed carcasses of livestock containing toxic residues of the drug. The loss of vultures from the ecosystem affects the balance between population of other scavenging species and/or result in increase in putrefying carcasses.

While Diclofenac is the main cause of vulture population decline, the other causes to some extent may be the habitat loss and scarcity of food. All the accessible forests of Terai, Churia and Middle Hills are being handed over to the community as the Community Forest (CF). The CF operational plans generally prescribe to remove old (selection

felling), dying and diseased trees thereby opening the area for new regeneration. This might have some level of impact on the habitat of vulture. Similarly, people now a days, prefer to rear improved breed of livestock in limited number. These livestock are preferred to bury upon death. These changes in traditional behaviour of people might have led to the scarcity of food on the other hand.

After identifying Diclofenac as the major cause of the decline of vulture population, a group of national and international organizations issued a Manifesto in January 2004 (Vulture Rescue 2004). This called for immediate action from the governments of all Gypsvulture range states to prevent the veterinary use of Diclofenac. Two important international meetings were held to review the scientific evidences. Key recommendations made by these meetings include: a) government authorities in all range states shall introduce legislation to prohibit all veterinary uses of Diclofenac, and b) that captive population of all three affected Gyps species be established immediately in South Asia for breeding and reintroduction to a Diclofenac-free environment.

Following the ban on Diclofenac, efforts were taken to promote the safe alternative drug such as Meloxicam. Within Nepal, the pharmaceutical company Medivet on its own initiative has ceased the production of Diclofenac prior to the manufacturing ban, and began actively developing the manufacture of meloxicam under the brand name ‘Melox’. In-situ conservation and availability of safe food, in combination with conservation advocacy and awareness programmes, plays an important role to

help ensure that at least some of the small remaining vulture populations remain extant. Two in-situ measures have been adopted to reduce mortality in the wild: a) the exchange of Diclofenac for meloxicam in areas surrounding natural breeding colonies, and b) provision of safe food near the breeding colony areas.

Asian Vulture Recovery Plan has recommended the establishment of captive holding and captive breeding facilities for three species of Gypsvultures at six sites in South Asia. These centres would serve as sources for reintroduction of vultures after the removal of the cause of mortality from the environment.

Despite the ban on veterinary Diclofenac production in 2006 and other conservation activities, population of vultures continue to decline across India, Pakistan and Nepal. Hence, prompt actions are needed to curb the catastrophic decline of vultures.

This Vulture Conservation Action Plan aims to revive the viable population of vultures in the wild by ensuring re-introduction, safe food supply, maintenance of suitable habitat and better understanding of the ecological importance of these birds in Nepal. Specific outputs expected from the implementation of the VCAP are:

i. Complete ban on Diclofenac and other non-tested NSAIDs secured, and alternative safe NSAIDs (including Meloxicam) promoted

ii. Level of vulture conservation awareness among general public increased

iii. Breeding population of vultures in the wild increased

iv. Captive bred population of vultures reintroduced

v. Science based information system established

vi. Partnership among national and international organizations fostered

Different activities are planned to achieve these outputs. A business plan has been developed to facilitate the implementation of VCAP. The total five year budget for the implementation of VCAP isNRs 59,971,750.

© Anand Chaudhary

1 Vulture Conservation Action Plan for Nepal (2009-2013)

1.1. Introduction and Background

Vultures play a highly important ecological role through the rapid consumption of animal carcasses. They also have an important cultural role in the consumption of human dead bodies in the form of sky burials within Nepal and Tibet. Vultures are the primary consumers of carrion in Asia and Africa, with an individual Gyps vulture consuming around 1 kg of tissue every three days (Mundy et al. 1992).

Nine species of vultures have been recorded from South Asia, of which eight are resident and

one migratory. Nepal supports six resident vulture species (white-rumped vulture Gyps bengalensis,slender-billed vulture Gyps tenuirostris, Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus, red-headed vulture Sarcogyps calvus, Himalayan griffon vulture Gyps himalayensis, and Lammergeier vulture Gypaetus barbatus), one winter visitor (Cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus) and one passage migrant (Eurasian griffon vulture Gypsfulvus). The long-billed vulture Gyps indicus is not found in Nepal.

Table 1.1: Status of vultures in Indian Sub-continent(Nep = Nepal, Ind = India, Pak = Pakistan, Ban = Bangladesh)

SN Species Range Countries Resident/Migratory Conservation Status

1 White-rumped vulture Nep, Ind, Pak, Ban Resident breeder Critically Endangered

2 Slender-billed vulture Nep, Ind, Ban Resident breeder Critically Endangered

3 Long-billed vulture Ind, Pak Resident breeder Critically Endangered

4 Himalayan griffon vulture Nep, Ind, Pak Resident breeder Unspecified

5 Eurasian griffon vulture Nep, Ind, Pak Winter visitor Unspecified

6 Red-headed vulture Nep, Ind Resident breeder Critically Endangered

7 Egyptian vulture Nep, Ind, Pak Resident breeder Endangered

8 Cinereous vulture Nep, Ind, Pak Winter visitor Near Threatened

9 Lammergeier Nep, Ind, Pak Resident breeder Least Concerned


Within Nepal, India and Pakistan vulturepopulations have undergone dramatic declines in numbers since the mid 1990s, with declines in excess of 97% for three resident species (white-rumped, slender-billed and long-billed vulture Gyps indicus now confined in India). In India, numbers of white-rumped vultures have declined by 99.9% from 1992 to 2007 (Prakash etal. 2007). Monitoring of vultures in Nepal indicates declines of a similar magnitude (Appendix 2) with a >90% decrease in numbers up to 2001 (Baral et al. 2004). As a consequence, these three Gyps vulture species were listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2000 as Critically Endangered (IUCN 2007).

Extensive research undertaken within India, Pakistan and Nepal has established that the non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) Diclofenac is the main, and perhaps the only, cause of the population declines (Green et al.2004; Oaks et al. 2004; Shultz et al. 2004). Vultures are exposed to Diclofenac when they feed from carcasses of livestock that have died within a few days of treatment and contain toxic residues of the drug (Oaks et al. 2004). Diclofenac is used for a variety of painful and inflammatory conditions in both veterinary and human medicine. Vultures that consume sufficient tissue from treated carcasses die from the effects of Diclofenac-induced kidney failure, with clinical signs of visceral gout prevalent in all birds (Oaks et al. 2004; Swan et al. 2006a). It is clear that vultures cannot survive as long as Diclofenac use continues. Hence, the first and immediate conservation priority must be to prevent the exposure of vultures to Diclofenac contaminated food.

The loss of a major scavenger from the ecosystem will affect the balance between populations of other scavenging species and/or result in increase in putrefying carcasses. In the absence of other carcass disposal mechanisms (burial, burning, mechanical processing), the

decline in vultures has resulted in an increase in the number of putrefying animal carcasses in rural areas. Populations of feral dogs, the main scavenging species in the absence of vultures, have increased within India (Indian Livestock Census 2003) with packs of several hundred animals observed around carcass dumps (R. Cuthbert pers obs). Increase of rabies incidence, reported frequently in the newspapers, in Nepal may be an outcome of the increased number of feral dogs. Both increases in putrefying carcasses and changes in the scavenger populations also have associated disease risks for wildlife, livestock and humans, including the spread of rabies and livestock borne diseases like anthrax, tuberculosis and brucellosis (Prakash et al. 2003; Anderson et al. 2005).

While Diclofenac is the main cause of vulture population decline, the other causes to some extent may be habitat loss and scarcity of food. All the accessible forests of Terai, Churia, and Mid Hills are being handed over to the community as Community Forests (CF). CF operational plans generally prescribe to remove old (selection felling), dying and diseased trees thereby opening the area for new regeneration. This might have some level of impact on the habitat of vulture. Similarly, people now a days, prefer to rear improved breed of livestock in limited number. These livestock are preferred to bury upon death. These changes in traditional behaviour of the people might have led to the scarcity of food on the other hand.

This is clear from the above explanation that if some specific actions are not taken for the conservation of vultures, some species of vultures might be extinct from Nepal or may be from South Asia in near future. However, Nepal only cannot save vultures from being extinct; we need collective efforts from the South Asian countries. Each country must have a specific plan of actions for this purpose.

Introduction and Background


1.2 Efforts and Achievements

1.2.1. National and Regional Meetings

After identifying Diclofenac as the major cause of the decline of vulture populations, a group of national and international organizations [Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Zoological Society of London (ZSL), The Peregrine Fund (TPF) and Ornithological Society of Pakistan (OSP)] issued a Manifesto in January 2004 (Vulture Rescue 2004). This called for immediate action from the governments of all Gyps vulture range states to prevent the veterinary use of Diclofenac. In February 2004, two important international meetings were held to review the scientific evidence - the first was a Vulture Summit in Kathmandu and was convened by the TPF and BCN and the second was an International South Asian Recovery Plan Workshop convened by the BNHS group (ISARPW 2004). Key recommendations made by these meetings include: a) government authorities in all range states shall introduce legislation to prohibit all veterinary uses of Diclofenac; and b) that captive populations of all three affected Gypsspecies be established immediately in South Asia for breeding and reintroduction to a Diclofenac-free environment.

In early 2006, an International Conference on Vulture Conservation was held in Delhi and made following recommendations: a) the Governments of the respective countries take immediate steps to completely phase out veterinary Diclofenac; b) urgently establish vulture conservation breeding centres for the three critically endangered species; c) conduct a reliable population estimate at state, country and regional levels; d) strengthen education and awareness campaigns; e) strengthen sharing of information amongst the stakeholders; and f) set up a regional task force to initiate collaborative vulture conservation initiatives in the region.

Following the recommendations and extensive advocacy programme, the Board Members of the National Board for Wildlife recommended a ban on the veterinary use of Diclofenac in

India in 17 March 2005. In May 2006, a directive from the Drug Controller General of India was circulated to relevant officials for withdrawal of manufacturing licences for veterinary Diclofenac. Similarly, the Government of Nepal - Department of Drug Administration (DDA) announced a ban on the manufacture and import of Diclofenac in Nepal in June 2006. In the same announcement, the DDA also circulated information to all the country’s pharmaceutical manufacturers to produce the safe alternative drug meloxicam.

1.2.2. Alternative Drugs to Diclofenac

Following the ban on Diclofenac, efforts were made to promote the safe alternative drug in order to rapidly effect a change on Diclofenac use. In order to identify alternative NSAIDs surveys were made of the veterinary use of NSAIDs for the clinical treatment of captive vultures, raptors and other birds within zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centres. Studies have identified the NSAID meloxicam as a proven alternative. It is the NSAID of choice in Europe and North America. Meloxicam had been given to 39 Gyps vultures from six species and at least 700 individuals from 54 other raptor and scavenging bird species with no ill effects (Cuthbert et al. 2006). A number of research have shown that Meloxicam is safe for vultures (Swarup et al. 2007, Swan et al.2006b).

Within Nepal, the pharmaceutical company Medivet on their own initiative ceased the production of Diclofenac prior to the manufacturing ban, and began actively developing the manufacture of meloxicam under the brand name ‘Melox’. Surveys of pharmacies in lowland areas of Nepal indicate that meloxicam has become widely available as a veterinary NSAID but not yet as widely available as for Diclofenac previously (BCN unpublished data). Regular monitoring of veterinarians, pharmaceutical outlets and carcasses is necessary to determine the uptake of meloxicam and other NSAIDs in Nepal.


1.2.3. In-situ Conservation and Availability of Safe Food

In-situ conservation and availability of safe food, in combination with conservation advocacy and awareness programmes, plays an important role to help ensure that at least some of the small remaining vulture populations remain extant. Two in-situ measures have been adopted to reduce mortality in the wild: a) the exchange of Diclofenac for meloxicam in areas surrounding natural breeding colonies; and b) provision of safe food near the breeding colony areas. The Peregrine Fund in Pakistan provided donkeys and mules for a colony of white-rumped vultures during the 2003/04 breeding season. The results indicated that the provision of clean food was helpful to reduce mortality from Diclofenac (Gilbert et al. 2007).

A more comprehensive approach has been initiated in Nepal in East Nawalparasi District, and expanded in a smaller scale in Palpa, Rupandehi, Dang and Kailali Districts. In Nawalparasi, an extensive Diclofenac for meloxicam swapping programme has led to an estimated 90% reduction in veterinary Diclofenac stocks in Nawalparasi District. In conjunction with this and an advocacy programme targeted at vets, pharmacists and farmers, a vulture feeding area, or “JatayuRestaurant”, has been established in close proximity to the breeding colony at Pithouli village, East Nawalparasi. The restaurant acquires old cattle that are no longer fit to work. These cattle are herded and cared for until their natural death, when they are then used as a safe Diclofenac free source of food for vultures in the area. The Jatayu restaurant has now been replicated successfully in Gaidahwa Lake, Lumbini, Rupandehi District and Lalmatiya VDC of Dang District.

1.2.4. Ex-situ Conservation

The workshop to prepare an Asian Vulture Recovery Plan held in India in February 2004 recommended the establishment of captive holding and captive breeding facilities for three species of Gyps vultures at six sites in South Asia These centres would serve as sources for reintroduction of vultures after the removal of the cause of mortality from the environment.

Realizing the rapid decline (25-48% per annum) of wild populations (Green et al. 2004) and urgent need to establish breeding centres, Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres (VCBC) were established by the BNHS and Haryana Forest Department at Pinjore, Haryana State, India. This programme was launched with the financial and technical support from the RSPB, ZSL and National Bird of Prey Trust (NBPT). Two additional centres have been established at Raja Bhat Khawa (Buxa Tiger Reserve), West Bengal, in 2006, and Rani Forest in Assam State in 2007. These three centres currently hold 226 vultures of critically endangered species. Actions to establish a VCBC have also been initiated in Pakistan and this centre currently holds around 11 birds. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), Nepal, in collaborationwith National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), BCN, RSPB and ZSL has established a VCBC at Kasara, Chitwan National Park. The centre currently has two holding aviaries and a breeding aviary that hold twenty-two pair of white-rumped vulture. A quarantine aviary has been set up at Biodiversity Conservation Centre (BCC) in Sauraha, Chitwan National Park.

Efforts and Achievements


1.3. Challenges and Opportunities

1.3.1. Population Decline

Despite the ban on veterinary Diclofenac production in 2006 and other conservation activities, populations of vultures continue to decline across India, Pakistan and Nepal. Results from field surveys indicate that in 2007 populations of white-rumped vultures in India had declined by more than 99.9% in comparison to numbers recorded in 1991-93 (Prakash et al. 2007). Population of long-billed and slender-billed vultures also declined by 96.8% over the same period. The average annual rate of decline in India was 44% for white-rumped vultures, and 16% for slender-billed and long-billed vultures.

Monitoring of breeding numbers of vultures in Pakistan also indicated similar levels of decline, with white-rumped vultures declining by more than 99% from 2000 to 2006 (The Peregrine Fund 2007). Similarly, studies show a 16% annual decline in white-rumped vultures from 2002 to 2009 in Nepal (BCN research). Vulture breeding sites monitored in Palpa, Syangja and Tanahu Districts indicate continued declines in Nepal. The rapid rate and continued declines in all monitored vulture populations in Nepal and South Asia indicate the urgent need for conservation actions to be fully implemented to prevent vulture species becoming extinct in South Asia.

Diclofenac is not the only source of vulture mortality or the only cause of failed nesting attempts, although it is the main, if not the only, cause of the massive decline in populations (Green et al. 2007). Other sources of mortality include poisoning through feeding on deliberately poisoned carcasses that are placed out to kill other animals (e.g. dogs), felling of nesting trees, especially those with active breeding attempts, disturbance and destruction of nests to prevent vultures nesting above agricultural land and dwellings, exclusion from feeding sites through disturbance or alternative carcass disposal methods (burial), and direct persecution and hunting of vultures either for medicinal purposes. In the past, when a large and healthy vulture population existed in Nepal, these additional sources of mortality would have been minor and the population was able to withstand them. However, with a very small remaining and still declining population, such

additional sources of mortality may play a more significant role.

1.3.2. Risk of Continued Use of Diclofenac

The ban on manufacturing and importation of Diclofenac in Nepal, India and Pakistan has not outlawed the continued use or sale of veterinary Diclofenac. Diclofenac formulations for veterinary use - both injectable and bolus forms typically have a shelf life of 2 years and if extensive stockpiles of Diclofenac remain within Nepal then Diclofenac could continue to be legally used. Knowledge on the scale of remaining stocks of Diclofenac in Nepal and India is unknown, but if large amounts remain then Diclofenac use could continue legally on a large scale. The potential for mislabeling of manufacturing dates of Diclofenac preparations may also lead to current stocks of Diclofenac remaining in the system for longer than is desired. The extent, or occurrence, of this problem is currently unknown.

Diclofenac is widely used as effective anti-inflammatory analgesic in human medicine and it is not feasible to completely phase out human use. Diclofenac manufactured for human use is also known to be used for veterinary purpose. As long as the human use of Diclofenac continues, the possibility of diversion of human Diclofenac formulations to veterinary use is likely to occur. This applies most specifically to injectable Diclofenac formulations, as bolus preparations (orally delivered) of the dosage and size to be used for livestock treatment is likely to be specific to the veterinary sector. Preventing the diversion of human Diclofenac into the veterinary sector remains a major challenge.

1.3.3. Knowledge Base

A number of studies have been carried out to understand vultures, their biology, distribution and population dynamics in Nepal and South Asia. However, much more studies and research needs to be carried out to increase our knowledge base on vultures for effective conservation.

1.3.4. Strengths and Capacities

Partner organizations have human resources to implement the action plan and in recent years they have had opportunities to gain


knowledge and skills on vulture conservation both in India and Nepal through trainings and visits.

Additional trained human resource is required for effective implementation of action plan. Increasing numbers of national and local partners involved in vulture conservation have helped to increase the understanding of vulture biology and its conservation measures.

1.3.5. Habitat Management

Deforestation and urbanization has led to habitat shrinkage and fragmentation. While no concrete measures have been specifically adopted for vulture habitat conservation, a long standing Government ban that protected Bombax cebia trees from being cut down and increase in community forestry practices could have helped in maintaining suitable habitat for some vulture species. Incorporation of vulture conservation measures in the operational plan of community forests in districts with significant vulture population and supporting its implementation could be an opportunity for conserving vulture habitat.

1.3.6. Awareness

Superstitious beliefs and lack of awareness on the ecological importance of vultures as well as their population decline could be a major barrier in successfully implementing the vulture action plan. Intensive education and awareness campaign for stakeholders ranging from students, farmers to veterinary practitioners and government authorities will help to sensitize them on the plight of vultures and garner support for vulture conservation.

1.3.7. Avian Influenza

In recent years, the outbreak of avian influenza has had a profound effect on the poultry industry. However, its effect and impact on other bird species is largely unknown. Outbreak of avian influenza around captive breeding site could pose a risk to vulture species as well. Adequate measures need to be adopted to prevent such risk.

1.3.8. International Cooperation

As vultures know no international boundaries, their conservation is only possible through trans-boundary cooperation between vulture range countries across South Asia. The strong international collaboration between governments, conservation groups, scientists and bird lovers as well as the sharing of knowledge and skills has raised common belief that these species can be brought back from the brink of extinction. A number of international partners such as RSPB and ZSL have joined hands to initiate vulture conservation in Nepal and the vulture conservation action plan provides an opportunity for further collaboration and fund raising with existing and potential international partners.

Challenges and Opportunities


2.1 Goal

The goal of the Vulture Conservation Action Plan (VCAP) is to revive the viable population of vultures in the wild.

2.2 Objective

To prevent the extinction of vulture species by ensuring re-introduction, safe food supply, maintenance of suitable habitat and better understanding of the ecological importance of these birds in Nepal.

2.3 Outputs

The outputs of the VCAP are: I. Complete ban on Diclofenac and other

non-tested NSAIDs secured, and alternative safe NSAIDs (including Meloxicam) promoted

II. Level of vulture conservation awareness among general public increased

III. Breeding population of vultures in the wild increased

IV. Critically endangered vulture species successfully raised in captivity

V. Science based information system established

VI. Partnership among national and international organizations fostered.

OUTPUT I: Complete ban on Diclofenac and other non-tested NSAIDs secured, and alternative safe NSAIDs (including Meloxicam) promoted

Issues

Use of Diclofenac

Without the complete removal of Diclofenac, the main causative agent of the vulture declines, vulture populations in Nepal and South Asia will continue to decline and at least three species of

Gyps vulture may become extinct in the wild. Population of four other species, resident or migratory to Nepal, is also likely to decline without the elimination of Diclofenac from Nepal and neighbouring countries.

Enforcement

Nepal has already taken key actions to prevent the use of Diclofenac through a ban on the manufacturing and importation of veterinary Diclofenac into the country since June 2006. A key loophole in achieving a complete end to veterinary Diclofenac use is that while banning the manufacture and importation of Diclofenac are two important steps, it will be impossible to achieve a complete cessation without a ban on the sale and use of veterinary Diclofenac in Nepal. Allowing its sale and use is providing a loophole for the continued use of Diclofenac stocks. Because of trade agreements and extensive open borders with India, enforcing such actions will be difficult. However, alerting customs and border officials to this issue is critical.

Inadequate promotion of alternative NSAIDs

Despite the availability of meloxicam as an alternative NSAID there is evidence for the continued use of Diclofenac. Additionally, some veterinary practitioners are unwilling to switch to meloxicam, preferring to stick with the “tried and tested” Diclofenac. Practical issues also make Diclofenac more attractive in some instances. For example, the injection form of Diclofenac is still cheaper than meloxicam; Diclofenac is a faster acting painkiller allowing a more rapid recovery of the treated animal; and confusion remains on dosages and whether pregnant animals can be safely administered meloxicam. These factors are hindering the uptake and switch to meloxicam.


Unauthorized use of human Diclofenac for veterinary purpose

The use of human Diclofenac products into the veterinary sector is another issue. The majority of this problem is likely to be in the form of using human injectable Diclofenac formulations, as human Diclofenac cannot easily be used to replace bolus formulations that are commonly used. The extent to which injectable forms of human Diclofenac are used in Nepal is currently being studied. However, evidence from India suggests that human drugs are still commonly used for treating animals (N. Shan, BNHS, unpublished data). A ban on the veterinary use of Diclofenac will help tackle this problem. However, in the absence of a ban on human Diclofenac, serious consideration needs to be given to making human Diclofenac more expensive and harder to use as a veterinary drug. This could take the form of legislation to restrict the volume of injectable human formulations to make their use impractical and more expensive when treating livestock.

Strategy

Different government bodies and conservation partners should combine their resources and efforts to restrict the importation and illegal use of Diclofenac and enforce the ban on veterinary Diclofenac. Further, the licensing of other non-tested veterinary NSAIDs in Nepal should not be allowed. Tested, safe alternative NSAIDs like meloxicam, which is already in production, should be promoted widely.

Activities

I. Enforce the ban on the use of Diclofenac and non-tested NSAIDs

II. Monitor the prevalence and use of NSAIDs in veterinary practices and pharmacies across Nepal

III. Develop clear guidelines on the use and efficacy of other NSAIDs in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industries

IV. Restrict production of human Diclofenac in large vial sizes (>3 ml) and label it as "not for veterinary use”.

OUTPUT II: Level of vulture conservation awareness among general public increased

Issues

Ignorance

Ignorance of vultures and their conservation issues among the veterinary sector, related institutions and the general populace is hindering sustained and effective conservation. The veterinary sector at the local level is not fully aware of the ban on Diclofenac and availability of the alternative safe NSAID meloxicam.

Cultural belief

In some communities, vultures are regarded as bearers of ill luck and their presence and sighting are associated with death. This belief is also an obstacle in securing the confidence of the community in vulture conservation.

Strategy

Vulture conservation related materials should be produced highlighting the ecological role of vultures, the ramifications of a decline in scavengers for rural communities and animal and human health. Materials should also highlight about the cause of the problem and solutions.

Activities

I. Develop Information Education and Communication (IEC) package for community awareness

II. Train and develop Local Resource Persons (LRPs) at community level capable of implementing the IEC

III. Conduct awareness campaigns at schools and communities

IV. Organize study tours among key persons of related institutions to observe vulture breeding centre and Jatayu restaurant and share current challenges of vulture conservation

V. Organize awareness raising workshops for veterinary practitioners and pharmaceuticals.

VI. Organize regular district level meetings for veterinary practitioners to discuss issues pertaining to vulture conservation.

VII. Declare and enforce high vulture population areas as ‘Diclofenac Free Zones (DFZs)' and Jatayu (Vulture) Safe Zone (JSZ).

Outputs and Strategies


VIII. Organize workshops and seminars to sensitize conservation partners on vulture issues to include vulture conservation in their conservation programmes (e.g., radio programs, publications, awareness camps, etc.)

OUTPUT III: Breeding population of vultures in the wild increased

Issues

Habitat destruction

Anthropogenic disturbances leading to destruction of suitable roosting and nesting trees as well as harassment have a marked impact on vultures and their survival.

Risk of contaminated food

Vultures feed exclusively on carcasses and vultures feeding in the wild are exposed to high level of risk of feeding on a carcass contaminated with Diclofenac. Vultures exposed to Diclofenac contaminated carcasses of livestock die within a few days of feeding. Even a low percentage (<1%) of livestock carcasses contaminated with Diclofenac can cause significant declines in vulture populations (Green et al. 2006).

Lack of direct benefit to locals

The general populace is ignorant of the ecological importance of vultures and sees no direct economic, human and animal health benefits of vulture conservation. Conservation efforts cannot be successful without the active involvement of local communities. Economic incentives could be one of the means to attract local communities to this endeavour.

Strategy

Mechanism to involve local communities in in-situconservation (e.g. establishment of vulture restaurants) having dual benefits to vultures and local community need to be promoted. Conserving and restoring of habitats through safeguarding their nesting colonies, prohibition on felling nesting trees, plantation of suitable trees and minimizing disturbances.

Activities

I. Develop guidelines for:establishing and enforcing Diclofenac free zones and Jatayu (Vulture) Safe Zone

establishing and managing community-based safe feeding sites (or vulture restaurants)collection of cattle in rescue centre monitoring guidelines that includes protection of trees on private land suitable for vultures promotion of tourism and income generation activities

II. Support communities to establish and operate vulture restaurants in areas with large vulture population

III. Organize training for Local Resource Persons to implement community-based monitoring guidelines

IV. Incorporate vulture conservation mechanism in operational plans of CFs and Buffer Zone CFs and support to protect suitable trees in such sites

V. Zoning of sites in CFs and Buffer Zone CFs with large vulture colonies as protected vulture breeding colonies

VI. Encourage plantation of trees (both in community and private land) suitable for vulture roosting and nesting

VII. Recognize and reward communities and individuals for their effort in vulture conservation

OUTPUT IV: Critically endangered vulture species successfully raised in captivity

Issues

Population

Vulture populations have declined to the extent that some species are likely to be extinct if urgent measures are not taken. One of the measures is captive breeding and reintroduction of vultures into the wild after the external environment is deemed safe for them.

Avian Influenza

Avian influenza outbreak has been reported in the neighbouring countries like India and Bangladesh and recently in eastern Nepal. Although the effect of influenza has been so far only reported in domestic poultry, its effect on other bird species is largely unknown. The outbreak of avian influenza could eventually affect the vultures both in captive and in wild populations. As the captive breeding centre is located in the Chitwan valley, a major poultry production area, there is potentially a high risk to the captive breeding vultures.



Strategy

The establishment of a vulture conservation breeding centre within Nepal and re-introducing vultures into the wild after ensuring the major threats (principally Diclofenac) in the environment are addressed. The release of birds is anticipated to eventually lead to the restoration of a single wild population of around 100 pairs 16 or more years later.

Careful consideration needs to be given to the long-term commitment and funding such a centre would require, which may necessitate keeping birds in captivity for 15-20 years. Consideration also needs to be given to making sure that efforts to establish a captive facility do not undermine other conservation efforts that have already been implemented in Nepal, such as in-situ conservation activities and the removal of Diclofenac. Vultures should only be procured from those areas of Nepal where populations cannot be protected and where there is evidence for continued declines and threats.

Avian influenza has been emerging as a new threat to bird population. The outbreak of influenza could eventually affect the vultures in captivity. Therefore, preventive measures are urgently required to reduce the risk to birds within the VCBC, as well as legal dispensation to ensure that captive and wild vulture populations are not affected by designated actions in the event of an outbreak (culling of poultry and captive birds within a 5 km radius of a point of outbreak).

Activities

I. Construct breeding, quarantine, hospital and display aviary

II. Increase capacity of human resource base for capture, aviary management and veterinary care

III. Capture 25 pairs of each critically endangered vultures for VCBC, Kasara

IV. Develop mechanism for supply of safe and Diclofenac-free food to vultures in captivity

V. Carry out regular health check ups to ensure good health and to prevent outbreak of disease such as avian influenza

VI. Create Emergency Fund for crisis management

VII. Fully equip VCBC with necessary facilities for management and scientific study, including CCTV facilities for monitoring

VIII. Establish visitor information centre, including CCTV display facilities for awareness

IX. Develop and implement vulture release plan X. Encourage and support local communities in

supply of safe food (e.g., rabbit, guinea pig, goat, buffalo, etc.)

OUTPUT V: Science based information system established

Issues

Lack of sufficient information

The scientific information available on vultures in Nepal is scant and limited to specific sites and localities. Appropriate conservation efforts cannot be achieved without strong knowledge base on this species.

Inadequate skilled human resource

Inadequate human resources, technical skills and physical capacity to gather and process necessary information on vultures

Strategy

Enhance knowledge and information base on vultures based on scientific research using tested methods at regular intervals and strengthen necessary human and physical capacity for enhancing continuous work on vultures. In addition, efforts should be made to establish an effective networking mechanism and institutional arrangements for information sharing and coordination.

Activities

I. Establish and maintain a central database on vultures of Nepal

II. Organize annual meeting of vulture conservation partners (national and/or regional)

III. Prepare and share progress reports and newsletters among conservation partners and donors

IV. Establish a website on vulture conservation of Nepal and link to partner organization websites

V. Identify and monitor nesting colonies of vultures with geo-reference

VI. Monitor population trends of critically endangered vulture species through regular transect surveys



VII. Undertake sampling of livestock carcasses that are available to vultures to quantify levels of Diclofenac contamination

VIII. Build institutional capacities of partner organizations in vulture conservation through training and higher studies.

OUTPUT VI: Partnership among national and international organizations fostered

Issue

Weak collaboration among vulture range countries and related partner organizations and inadequate financial resources has hindered effective management of natural habitat and captive breeding of vultures.

Strategy

Establish effective collaboration among vulture range countries and related partner organizations and build a mechanism to ensure necessary funding for in-situ and ex-situ conservation.

Activities:

i) Identify relevant institutions and develop mechanisms for effective collaboration

ii) Organize regional/international workshop in one of the vulture range countries to share experiences

iii) Organize exchange visits among field staffs working in captive breeding centres and responsible managers

iv) Develop proposals jointly by conservation partners to raise sufficient funds for the implementation of vulture conservation action plan

v) Develop mechanism for member sponsorship for vulture conservation programme



2.4 Business Plan

2.4.1 Institutional Arrangements

Upon the endorsement from the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, DNPWC will be responsible for the implementation of Vulture Conservation Action Plan. Other partners shall assist DNPWC for implementing specific activities, raise funds and provide technical inputs.

A Project Management Committee (PMC) will be formed both at the central and local levels to ensure effective coordination and smooth implementation of the VCAP. At the central level, a Vulture Conservation Action Plan Central Coordination Committee (VCAP CCC) will be formed to provide technical advisory role, policy guidance and coordination. The committee will comprise Director General of DNPWC, Member Secretary of NTNC, Chief Executive Officer of BCN, Country Representative of WWF Nepal Program and representatives from RSPB and ZSL.

At the local level, Project Implementation Committee (PIC) will be formed to ensure effective management and implementation of the specific project. For example, to manage the VCBC, PIC will consist of Chief Warden (Chitwan National Park) who will serve as the Project Coordinator and NTNC/BCC Project Chief, Vulture Conservation Officer from BCN and representatives from Buffer Zone Management Committee (BZMC) will be the members of PIC.

2.4.2 Human Resources

DNPWC and partner organizations shall try to mobilize their existing human resources for the implementation of VCAP. However, some additional human resources are required to implement some specific programmes proposed in VCAP such as for the management of Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre some additional staffs are required.

The proposed human resources are as follows:

Staffing Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

National Trust for Nature Conservation

Existing • Project Coordinator • Project Manager

• Senior keeper • Keepers x3

Required • Veterinary Officer • Account/Administration Assistant • Foreman/security

Similarly, human resource requirement for in-situ conservation work is as follows:

Bird Conservation Nepal Local Communities

Existing • Vulture Conservation Officer • Field Biologist • Veterinary Officer • Community Mobilization Officer

• Community Service Assistants x3 • Cow farm caretakers x 4 • Nest monitoring assistants x7

Required • Programme Manager • Communication Officer• Field Biologist • Database Assistant • Ranger

• Community Service Assistants x5 • Cow farm caretakers x 5 • Nest monitoring assistants x10


2.4.3 Physical Resources

While using existing physical resources of DNPWC and partner organizations, some of the programmes and activities proposed in VCAP demand some additional physical resources. For example, to implement Vulture Conservation Breeding Programme, the following additional physical resources are required:

• Two holding aviaries • Two breeding aviaries • Quarantine aviary • Hospital aviary • Display aviary • Information centre • Safe water supply

• Livestock and butcher sheds for safe food supply • Waste disposal centre • Equipments• Furniture• Vehicles• Office and laboratory

Similarly, for in-situ conservation sites (Jatayu restaurants) the following infrastructures are required:

• Cow rescue centres x 3 • Information centre buildings/offices x 2 • Viewing houses x 2 • Fenced grazing areas x 2 • Vermi-compost sheds x 4

2.4.4 Financial Requirements

Year

1 2 3 4 5 Total

Administrativecost

1,500,000 1,650,000 1,815,000 1,996,500 2,196,150 9,157,650

Programme cost 9,824,000 15,120,000 8,110,000 10,011,000 7,749,100 50,814,100

Total cost (NRs) 11,324,000 16,770,000 9,925,000 12,007,500 9,945,250 59,971,750

2.4.5 Implementation

As stated earlier, DNPWC will join hand with other partner organizations to implement VCAP. At the national level, NTNC and BCN are already supporting DNPWC for vulture conservation initiatives. International organizations such as RSPB, ZSL, National Bird of Prey Trust, Darwin Initiative, WWF Nepal and International Trust for nature Conservation have been contributing technical and financial support. Further partnerships will be developed with INGOs, NGOs, government line agencies and CBOs for full implementation of VCAP. Implementation of the South Asian Vulture

Recovery Plan and its recommendations will be done through collaboration with regional partners from India and Pakistan. Partnership with the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) and Department of Drug Administration (DDA) will be developed to promote the use of safe drugs such as Meloxicam and other alternative safe NSAIDs.

2.4.6 Monitoring and Evaluation

VCAP CCC will be responsible for the overall monitoring and evaluation of VCAP implementation.

Business Plan


Anderson, M.D., Piper, S.E. and Swan, G.E. (2005). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in South Africa and possible effects on vultures. South African Journal of Science 101: 112-114

Baral, H.S., Giri, J.B. and Virani, M.Z. (2004). On the decline of Oriental White-backed Vultures Gypsbengalensis in lowland Nepal. In: Chancellor, R.D. & Meyburg, B-U. (Eds). Raptors Worldwide. WWGBP/MME pp215-219.

Cuthbert, R., Parry-Jones, J., Green, R.E. and Pain, D.J. (2006). NSAIDs and scavenging birds: potential impacts beyond Asia’s critically endangered vultures. Biology Letters doi:10.1098/rsbl.2006.0554

Gilbert. M., Watson, R.T., Ahmed, S., Asim, M. and Johnson, J.A. (2007). Vulture restaurants and their role in reducing Diclofenac exposure in Asian vultures. Bird Conservation International 17: 63-77.

Green, R.E., Newton, I., Shultz, S., Cunningham, A.A., Gilbert, M., Pain, D.J., and Prakash, V.. (2004). Diclofenac poisoning as a cause of vulture population declines across the Indian subcontinent. J. Appl. Ecol. 41: 793-800.

Green, R.E., Pain, D.J., Taggart, M. A., Das, D., Kumar, C.S., Cunningham, A.A. and Cuthbert, R. (2006). Collapse of Asian vulture populations: risk of mortality from residues of the veterinary drug diclofenac in carcasses of treated cattle. J.of Applied Ecology 43 (2006): 949-956

Green, R.E., Taggart. M.A., Senacha, K.R., Pain, D.J., Jhala, Y., and Cuthbert, R. (2007). Rate of decline of the oriental white-backed vulture Gyps bengalensis population in India estimated from measurements of Diclofenac in carcasses of domesticated ungulates. PloS One 2(8), e686. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0000686

ILC (2003). Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2003 and 17th Indian Livestock Census 2003, Department of Animal & Dairying, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India

ISARPW (2004). Report on the International South Asian Recovery Plan Workshop. Buceros 9(1) pp 48. IUCN (2007). http://www.iucn.org Johnson J.A., Lerner H.R.L., Rasmussen P.C. and Mindell D.P. (2006). Systematics within Gyps vultures: a

clade at risk. BMC Evolutionary Biology 6: 65 doi: 10.1186/1471-2148-6-65 Mundy, P., Butchart, D, Ledger, J., and Piper, S. (1992). The vultures of Africa. Academic Press.

Noble, S. and Balfour, J.A. (1996). Meloxicam. Drugs 51: 424-430. Oaks, J. L., M. Gilbert, M. Z. Virani, R. T. Watson, C. U. Meteyer, B. Rideout, H. L. Shivaprasad, S. Ahmed, M. J.

I. Chaudhry, M. Arshad, S. Mahmood, A. Ali, and A. A. Khan. (2004). Diclofenac residues as the cause of vulture population decline in Pakistan. Nature 427:630-633.

Prakash, V., Pain, D.J., Cunningham, A.A., Donald, P.F., Prakash, N., Verma, A., Gargi, R., Sivakumar, S. and Rahmani, A. R. (2003). Catastrophic collapse of Indian white-backed Gyps bengalensis and long-billed Gyps indicus vulture populations. Biological Conservation 109(3): 381-390.

Prakash, V., Green R. E., Pain D.J., Ranade, S. P, Saravanan S., Prakash, N, Venkitachalam, R., Cuthbert R., Rahmani A. R., Cunningham A. A. (2007) Recent changes in populations of resident Gyps vultures in India. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society104: 129-135.

Shultz, S., Baral, H.S., Charman, S., Cunningham, A.A., Das, D., Ghalsasi, D.R., Goudar, M.S., Green, R.E., Jones, A., Nighot, P., Pain, D.J. and Prakash, V. (2004). Diclofenac poisoning is widespread in declining vulture populations across the Indian subcontinent. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B (Supplement), 271: S458-S460.

Swan, G.E., Cuthbert, R., Quevedo, M., Green, R.E., Pain, D.J., Bartels, P., Cunningham, A.A., Duncan, N., Meharg, A.A., Oaks, J.L., Parry-Jones, J., Shultz, S., Taggart, M.A., Verdoorn, G. and Wolter, K. (2006a). Toxicity of Diclofenac to Gyps vultures. Biol. Lett. DOI: 10/1098/rsbl.2005.0425.

Swan, G.E, Naidoo, V., Cuthbert, R., Green, R.E., Pain, D.J., Swarup, D.J., Prakash, V., Taggart, M.A., Bekker, L., Dash, D., Diekmann, M., Killian, E., Meharg, A., Patra, R. C., Saini, N., Wolter, K. (2006b). Removing the threat of diclofenac to critically endangered Asian vultures. PLoS Biol 4(3): e66.

Swarup, D.J., Cuthbert, R., Green, R.E., Pain, D.J., Prakash, V., Taggart, M.A., Dash, D., Patra, R. C., Saini, N., Avari, P., Sharma, A. K. (2007). Safety of meloxicam to critically endangered Gyps vultures and other scavenging birds in India. Animal Conservation 10(2007): 192-198.


Appendix 1: Photographs of vulture species of Nepal

Photo 3: White-rumped vulture

Photo 1: Slender-billed vulture Photo 2: Red-headed vulture

Photo 4: Egyptian vulture

Photos: James Irons, Anand Chaudhary, Richard Cuthbert and http://www.neophron.com/gallery/05_07.jpg respectively.


Photo 5: Cinereous vulture Photo 6: Eurasian griffon vulture

Photo 7: Himalayan griffon vulture Photo 8: Lammergeier

Photos: Tulsi Subedi, http://blog.lifejacketadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/griffon_vulture1.jpg, Jianqtian Dong-

Orientalbirdimages.org and Richard Bartz respectively


Appendix 2: Trend of vulture decline in Nepal

Fig 1: Graphs of population declines for Gyps bengalensis

Total number of Oriental white-backed vultures (WBV) recorded along road transects along the East-West Highway in lowland areas of Nepal (from Chitwan to Mahendranagar) and fitted line of the exponential decline. The decline is statistically significant(F1,3 = 31.78, P < 0.02) and well fitted by an exponential decline (R2 = 0.914)

Index of abundance for Oriental white-backed vultures (WBV) monitored at 12 breeding colonies in lowland and hill areas of Nepal. Unfilled squares represent the measured index (weighted for colony size), filled circles are the regression models estimatedbest-fit to the data (error bars are standard errors) and the best-fit exponential rate of decline (thin curved line). The decline is statistically significant (Wald-tests w = 18.82, d.f. = 1, P < 0.0001) with annual rates of decline estimated to be occurring at 19% a year.

0

50

100

150

200

250

2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

Year

Num

ber o

f WB

V

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Year

WB

V in

dex

of a

bund

ance


Appendix 3: Geographical distribution of vulture species

Range map for the eight species of Gyps vulture indicating the geographical distribution of the three Critically Endangered resident species in Asia (Gyps bengalensis, Gyps indicus and Gyps tenuirostris), the three resident species within Africa (Gyps rueppellii, Gyps coprotheres and Gyps africanus) and the migratory Gyps fulvus and Gyps himalayensis


Appendix 4: Phylogeny

Phylogeny for the eight species within the genus Gyps vultures based on combined mt ND2 and cytB datasets (A) and combined CR, ND2, and cytB datasets (B). Out groups in the phylogenetic tree are the hooded vulture Necrosytes monachus, red-headed vulture Sarcogyps calvus, Cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus, lappet-faced vulture Torgos tracheliotos, and white-headed vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis(Johnson et al. 2006).

20

Vultu

re C

onse

rvat

ion

Actio

n Pl

an fo

r N

epal

(200

9-20

13)

Ap

pen

dix

5:

Tabl

e 1:

Fiv

e Ye

ars

Cos

ting

of V

ultu

re C

onse

rvat

ion

Actio

n Pl

an (2

009—

2013

)

Ob

ject

ive/

Act

iviti

esY

ear

12

34

5T

ota

lO

utp

ut

I: C

ompl

ete

ban

on D

iclo

fena

c an

d ot

her

non-

test

ed N

SAID

s se

cure

d, a

nd

alte

rnat

ive

safe

NSA

IDs

(incl

udin

g M

elox

icam

) pr

omot

ed

Act

iviti

es

i) E

nfor

ce th

e ba

n on

the

use

of d

iclo

fena

c an

d no

n-te

sted

NSA

IDs

50,0

00

50

,000

100,

000

ii)

Mon

itor

the

prev

alen

ce a

nd u

se o

f NSA

IDs

in v

eter

inar

y pr

acti

ces

and

phar

mac

ies

acro

ss N

epal

20

0,00

020

0,00

015

0,00

010

0,00

010

0,00

075

0,00

0

iii)

Dev

elop

cle

ar g

uide

line

s on

the

use

and

effi

cacy

of o

ther

NSA

IDs

in c

olla

bora

tion

wit

h th

e ph

arm

aceu

tica

l ind

ustr

ies

200,

000

200,

000

iv)

Res

tric

t pro

duct

ion

of h

uman

dic

lofe

nac

in la

rge

vial

siz

es (

>3m

l) a

nd la

bel i

t as

"not

for

vete

rina

ry u

se”

.

15

0,00

0

15

0,00

030

0,00

0

Ou

tpu

t II

: Le

vel o

f vu

lture

con

serv

atio

n aw

aren

ess

amon

g ge

nera

l pub

lic in

crea

sed

Act

iviti

es

-i)

Dev

elop

Inf

orm

atio

n E

duca

tion

and

Com

mun

icat

ion

(IE

C)

pack

age

for

com

mun

ity

awar

enes

s 20

0,00

0

100,

000

10

0,00

040

0,00

0

ii)

Tra

in a

nd d

evel

op L

ocal

Res

ourc

e P

erso

ns (

LR

Ps)

at c

omm

unit

y le

vel c

apab

le o

f im

plem

enti

ng th

e IE

C

150,

000

50,0

0015

0,00

075

,000

100,

000

525,

000

iii)

Con

duct

aw

aren

ess

cam

paig

n at

sch

ools

and

com

mun

itie

s 40

0,00

050

0,00

055

0,00

055

0,00

055

0,00

02,

550,

000

iv)

Org

aniz

e st

udy

tour

s am

ong

key

pers

ons

of r

elat

ed in

stit

utio

ns to

obs

erve

vul

ture

bre

edin

g ce

nter

and

Ja

tayu

res

taur

ant a

nd s

hare

cur

rent

cha

llen

ges

of v

ultu

re c

onse

rvat

ion

200,

000

200,

000

200,

000

200,

000

200,

000

1,00

0,00

0

v) O

rgan

ize

awar

enes

s ra

isin

g w

orks

hops

for

vete

rina

ry p

ract

itio

ners

and

pha

rmac

euti

cals

30

0,00

030

0,00

015

0,00

010

0,00

010

0,00

095

0,00

0vi

) O

rgan

ize

regu

lar

dist

rict

leve

l mee

ting

s fo

r ve

teri

nary

pra

ctit

ione

rs to

dis

cuss

issu

es p

erta

inin

g to

vul

ture

co

nser

vati

on15

0,00

015

0,00

017

5,00

017

5,00

017

5,00

082

5,00

0

vii)

Dec

lare

and

enf

orce

hig

h vu

ltur

e po

pula

tion

are

as a

s ‘D

iclo

fena

c F

ree

Zon

es (

DF

Zs)

'and

Jat

ayu

(Vul

ture

) Sa

fe Z

ones

(JS

Z)

150,

000

100,

000

100,

000

100,

000

100,

000

550,

000

viii

) O

rgan

ize

wor

ksho

p an

d se

min

ars

to s

ensi

tize

con

serv

atio

n pa

rtne

rs o

n vu

ltur

e is

sues

to in

clud

e vu

ltur

e co

nser

vati

on in

thei

r co

nser

vati

on p

rogr

ams

(e.g

., ra

dio

prog

ram

s, p

ubli

cati

ons,

aw

aren

ess

cam

ps, e

tc.)

40

0,00

040

0,00

045

0,00

045

0,00

050

0,00

02,

200,

000

21

Vultu

re C

onse

rvat

ion

Actio

n Pl

an fo

r N

epal

(200

9-20

13)

Ob

ject

ive/

Act

iviti

esY

ear

12

34

5T

ota

l

Ou

tpu

t II

I:Br

eedi

ng p

opul

atio

n of

vul

ture

s in

the

wild

incr

ease

d A

ctiv

ities

-

i) D

evel

op g

uide

line

s fo

r:•

esta

blis

hing

and

enf

orci

ng D

iclo

fena

c F

ree

Zon

es a

nd J

atay

u (V

ultu

re)

Safe

Zon

es,

• es

tabl

ishi

ng a

nd m

anag

ing

com

mun

ity

base

d sa

fe fe

edin

g si

tes

(or

vult

ure

rest

aura

nts)

,•

coll

ecti

on o

f cat

tle

in r

escu

e ce

ntre

•

mon

itor

ing

guid

elin

es th

at in

clud

es p

rote

ctio

n of

tree

s on

pri

vate

land

sui

tabl

e fo

r vu

ltur

es

• pr

omot

ion

of to

uris

m a

nd in

com

e ge

nera

tion

act

ivit

ies

250,

000

150,

000

100,

000

500,

000

ii)

Supp

ort c

omm

unit

ies

to e

stab

lish

and

ope

rate

vul

ture

res

taur

ants

in a

reas

wit

h la

rge

vult

ure

popu

lati

on

600,

000

650,

000

700,

000

800,

000

900,

000

3,65

0,00

0ii

i) O

rgan

ize

trai

ning

for

Loc

al R

esou

rce

Per

sons

to im

plem

ent c

omm

unit

y ba

sed

mon

itor

ing

guid

elin

es

200,

000

200,

000

200,

000

200,

000

800,

000

iv)

Inco

rpor

ate

vult

ure

cons

erva

tion

mec

hani

sm i

n op

erat

iona

l pla

ns o

f CF

s an

d B

uffe

r Z

one

CF

s an

d su

ppor

t to

prot

ect s

uita

ble

tree

s in

suc

h si

tes

50,0

0075

,000

75,0

0075

,000

75,0

0035

0,00

0

v) Z

onin

g of

sit

es in

CF

s an

d B

uffe

r Z

one

CF

s w

ith

larg

e vu

ltur

e co

loni

es a

s pr

otec

ted

vult

ure

bree

ding

co

loni

es50

,000

50,0

0050

,000

50,0

0050

,000

250,

000

vi)

Enc

oura

ge p

lant

atio

n of

tree

s (b

oth

in c

omm

unit

y an

d pr

ivat

e la

nd)

suit

able

for

vult

ure

roos

ting

and

ne

stin

g15

0,00

010

0,00

010

0,00

010

0,00

010

0,00

055

0,00

0

vii)

Rec

ogni

ze a

nd r

ewar

d co

mm

uniti

es a

nd in

divi

dual

s fo

r th

eir

effo

rt in

vul

ture

con

serv

atio

n 50

,000

50,0

0050

,000

50,0

0050

,000

250,

000

Ou

tpu

t IV

: C

ritic

ally

end

ange

red

vultu

resp

ecie

s su

cces

sful

ly r

aise

d in

cap

tivity

Act

iviti

es

i) C

onst

ruct

bre

edin

g, q

uara

ntin

e, h

ospi

tal a

nd d

ispl

ay a

viar

y

6,00

0,00

0

2,00

0,00

08,

000,

000

ii)

Incr

ease

cap

acit

y of

hum

an r

esou

rce

base

for

capt

ure,

avi

ary

man

agem

ent a

nd v

eter

inar

y ca

re

150,

000

20

0,00

0

250,

000

600,

000

iii)

Cap

ture

25

pair

s of

eac

h cr

itic

ally

end

ange

red

vult

ures

for

VC

BC

, Kas

ara

500,

000

500,

000

500,

000

250,

000

250,

000

2,00

0,00

0iv

) D

evel

op m

echa

nism

for

supp

ly o

f saf

e an

d D

iclo

fena

c fr

ee fo

od to

vul

ture

s in

cap

tivi

ty

1,00

0,00

01,

100,

000

1,21

0,00

01,

331,

000

1,46

4,10

06,

105,

100

v) C

arry

out

reg

ular

hea

lth

chec

k up

s to

ens

ure

good

hea

lth

and

to p

reve

nt o

utbr

eak

of d

isea

se s

uch

as a

vian

in

flue

nza

100,

000

150,

000

200,

000

225,

000

250,

000

925,

000

vi)

Cre

ate

Em

erge

ncy

Fun

d fo

r cr

isis

man

agem

ent

500,

000

500,

000

500,

000

500,

000

500,

000

2,50

0,00

0

Tabl

e 1

-con

td

22

Vultu

re C

onse

rvat

ion

Actio

n Pl

an fo

r N

epal

(200

9-20

13)

Ob

ject

ive/

Act

iviti

esY

ear

12

34

5T

ota

lvi

i) F

ully

equ

ip V

CB

C w

ith

nece

ssar

y fa

cili

ties

for

man

agem

ent a

nd s

cien

tifi

c st

udy,

incl

udin

g C

CT

V

faci

liti

es fo

r m

onit

orin

g 25

0,00

025

0,00

025

0,00

010

0,00

010

0,00

095

0,00

0

viii

) E

stab

lish

vis

itor

info

rmat

ion

cent

re in

clud

ing

CC

TV

dis

play

faci

liti

esfo

r aw

aren

ess

650,

000

10

0,00

075

0,00

0

ix)

Dev

elop

and

impl

emen

t vul

ture

rel

ease

pla

n

10

0,00

010

0,00

0x)

Enc

oura

ge a

nd s

uppo

rt lo

cal c

omm

unit

ies

in s

uppl

y of

saf

e fo

od (

e.g.

, rab

bit,

guin

ea p

ig, g

oat,

buff

alo,

et

c.)

600,

000

200,

000

80

0,00

0

Ou

tpu

t V

:Sc

ienc

e ba

sed

info

rmat

ion

syst

em e

stab

lishe

dA

ctiv

ities

i)

Est

abli

sh a

nd m

aint

ain

a ce

ntra

l dat

abas

e on

vul

ture

s of

Nep

al

100,

000

50,0

0050

,000

50,0

0050

,000

300,

000

ii)O

rgan

ize

annu

al m

eeti

ng o

f vul

ture

con

serv

atio

n pa

rtne

rs (

nati

onal

and

/or

regi

onal

) 10

0000

100,

000

100,

000

100,

000

100,

000

500,

000

iii)

Pre

pare

and

sha

re p

rogr

ess

repo

rts

and

new

slet

ters

am

ong

cons

erva

tion

par

tner

s an

d do

nors

100,

000

100,

000

100,

000

100,

000

100,

000

500,

000

iv)

Est

abli

sh a

web

site

on

vult

ure

cons

erva

tion

of N

epal

and

link

to p

artn

er o

rgan

izat

ion

web

site

s 50

000

2000

0 25

000

3000

0 35

000

160,

000

v) I

dent

ify

and

mon

itor

nes

ting

col

onie

s of

vul

ture

s w

ith

geo-

refe

renc

e 15

0,00

017

5,00

020

0,00

020

0,00

025

0,00

097

5,00

0vi

) M

onit

or p

opul

atio

n tr

ends

of c

riti

call

y en

dang

ered

vul

ture

spe

cies

thro

ugh

regu

lar

tran

sect

sur

veys

30

0,00

015

0,00

030

0,00

015

0,00

030

0,00

01,

200,

000

vii)

Und

erta

ke s

ampl

ing

of li

vest

ock

carc

asse

s th

at a

re a

vail

able

to v

ultu

res

to q

uant

ify

leve

ls o

f Dic

lofe

nac

cont

amin

atio

n20

0,00

0

225,

000

25

0,00

067

5,00

0

viii

) B

uild

inst

itut

iona

l cap

acit

ies

of p

artn

er o

rgan

izat

ions

in v

ultu

re c

onse

rvat

ion

thro

ugh

trai

ning

s an

d hi

gher

stu

dies

.

50

0,00

0

75

0,00

01,

250,

000

Ou

tpu

t V

I: P

artn

ersh

ip a

mon

g na

tiona

l and

inte

rnat

iona

l org

aniz

atio

ns f

oste

red

Act

iviti

es

i) I

dent

ify

rele

vant

inst

itut

ions

and

dev

elop

mec

hani

sms

for

effe

ctiv

e co

llab

orat

ion

50,0

00

50

,000

100,

000

ii)

Org

aniz

e re

gion

al/i

nter

nati

onal

wor

ksho

p in

one

of t

he v

ultu

re r

ange

cou

ntri

es to

sha

re e

xper

ienc

es

500,

000

100,

000

100,

000

500,

000

100,

000

1,30

0,00

0ii

i) O

rgan

ize

exch

ange

vis

its

amon

g fi

eld

staf

fs w

orki

ng in

cap

tive

bree

ding

cen

tres

and

res

pons

ible

m

anag

ers

200,

000

200,

000

200,

000

200,

000

200,

000

1,00

0,00

0

iv)

Dev

elop

pro

posa

ls jo

intl

y by

con

serv

atio

n pa

rtne

rs to

rai

se s

uffi

cien

t fun

ds fo

r th

e im

plem

enta

tion

of

vult

ure

cons

erva

tion

act

ion

plan

15

0,00

0

20

0,00

035

0,00

0

v) D

evel

op m

echa

nism

for

mem

ber

spon

sors

hip

for

vult

ure

cons

erva

tion

pro

gram

me

50,0

00

50

,000

50,0

0015

0,00

0Su

b-to

tal N

Rs

(A)

8,40

0,00

013

,620

,000

8,11

0,00

010

,011

,000

7,74

9,10

047

,890

,100

Tabl

e 1

–con

td.

23

Vultu

re C

onse

rvat

ion

Actio

n Pl

an fo

r N

epal

(200

9-20

13)

Ob

ject

ive/

Act

iviti

esY

ear

12

34

5T

ota

lA

dd

itio

nal

Act

ivit

ies

Infr

astr

uct

ure

Wat

er s

uppl

y sy

stem

1,

000,

000

1,00

0,00

0

Eq

uip

men

t

-

Com

pute

r, p

rinte

r, c

amer

a, G

PS

, tel

epho

ne, m

obile

pho

ne, f

ax, e

tc.

200,

000

20

0,00

0

Tra

nsp

ort

atio

n

-

Mot

orbi

ke20

0000

200,

000

Veh

icle

s (p

ick-

up 4

-whe

el)

1,

500,

000

1,

500,

000

Rik

shaw

and

bic

ycle

s-3

24,0

00

24,0

00

Ad

min

istr

ativ

e

-

Rec

urre

nt a

dmin

istr

ativ

e ex

pens

es *

1,

500,

000

1,65

0,00

01,

815,

000

1,99

6,50

02,

196,

150

9,15

7,65

0

Su

b-t

ota

l NR

s (B

) 2,

924,

000

3,15

0,00

01,

815,

000

1,99

6,50

02,

196,

150

12,0

81,6

50

Gra

nd

To

tal N

Rs

(A+B

) 11

,324

,000

16,7

70,0

009,

925,

000

12,0

07,5

009,

945,

250

59,9

71,7

50

*

Thi

s re

curr

ent c

ost i

s on

ly fo

r V

CB

C m

anag

emen

t in

Kas

ara,

Chi

twan

Nat

iona

l Par

k

Yea

r1

23

45

To

tal

Adm

inis

trat

ive

cost

1,

500,

000

1,65

0,00

01,

815,

000

1,99

6,50

02,

196,

150

9,15

7,65

0

Pro

gram

me

cost

9,

824,

000

15,1

20,0

008,

110,

000

10,0

11,0

007,

749,

100

50,8

14,1

00

To

tal c

ost

(N

Rs)

11

,324

,000

16,7

70,0

009,

925,

000

12,0

07,5

009,

945,

250

59,9

71,7

50

24

Vultu

re C

onse

rvat

ion

Actio

n Pl

an fo

r N

epal

(200

9-20

13)

Ap

pen

dix

6

Tabl

e 2:

Log

ical

Fra

mew

ork

of th

e Vu

lture

Con

serv

atio

n Ac

tion

Plan

Hie

rarc

hy o

f Ob

jec

tive

s O

bje

ctiv

ely

Ve

rifia

ble

Ind

ica

tors

M

ea

ns o

f Ve

rific

atio

n Ri

sks/

Ass

ump

tions

Go

al:

Re

vive

th

e v

iab

le p

op

ula

tion

of

vultu

res

in

the

wild

Ob

jec

tive

:To

re

sto

re v

ultu

re p

op

ula

tion

in w

ild b

y e

nsu

ring

re

-intr

od

uc

tion

, sa

fe

foo

d

sup

ply

, m

an

ag

em

en

t o

f su

itab

le

ha

bita

t a

nd

b

ett

er

un

de

rsta

nd

ing

o

f th

e

ec

olo

gic

al

imp

ort

an

ce

o

f th

ese

bird

s

By 2

014,

•

25 p

airs

ea

ch

of

crit

ica

lly e

nd

an

ge

red

vu

lture

sp

ec

ies

suc

ce

ssfu

lly ra

ised

in t

he

c

ap

tivity

•

Inc

rea

se in

vu

lture

po

pu

latio

n in

wild

by

10%

as

of

2009

ba

se li

ne

•R

ep

ort

s o

f p

art

ne

ro

rga

niz

atio

n,

VC

BC p

roje

ct

rep

ort

•Su

rve

y re

po

rts

•A

ll c

ritic

ally

e

nd

an

ge

red

vu

lture

sp

ec

ies

are

a

vaila

ble

fo

r c

ap

tive

bre

ed

ing

. •

Ve

terin

ary

pe

rso

nn

el

sto

p u

sing

hu

ma

n

dic

lofe

na

c f

or

vete

rina

ry p

urp

ose

Out

put

s:1.

Co

mp

lete

ba

n o

n D

iclo

fen

ac

an

d o

the

r no

n-

test

ed

NSA

IDs

sec

ure

d, a

nd

alte

rna

tive

sa

fe N

SAID

s (in

clu

din

g M

elo

xic

am

) p

rom

ote

d

By 2

014,

•

Ve

terin

ary

dic

lofe

na

c a

nd

oth

er n

on

-te

ste

d N

SAID

s n

ot

ava

ilab

le f

or u

se in

N

ep

al

•Sa

fe N

SAID

s a

s a

ltern

ativ

e t

o d

iclo

fen

ac

e

asil

y a

vaila

ble

th

rou

gh

ou

t N

ep

al

•D

DA

/DLS

dire

ctiv

es

•D

DA

rec

ord

s •

NSA

ID s

urv

ey

rep

ort

s•

Ca

rca

ss s

tud

y re

po

rts

•V

CBC

pro

jec

t re

po

rt

Po

litic

al s

tab

ility

p

reva

ils in

th

e c

ou

ntr

y to

imp

lem

en

t ru

les,

re

gu

latio

ns

an

d

dire

ctiv

es

eff

ec

tive

ly.

2. L

eve

l of

vultu

re c

on

serv

atio

n a

wa

ren

ess

am

on

g

ge

ne

ral p

ub

lic in

cre

ase

d

By 2

014,

•

Inc

ide

nc

e o

f ki

llin

g a

nd

po

ison

ing

of

vultu

re d

ec

rea

ses

by

50%

ba

sed

on

200

9 b

ase

lin

e

•N

um

be

r of

co

mm

un

ity m

an

ag

ed

vu

lture

re

sta

ura

nts

inc

rea

sed

by

5 u

nits

•

In v

ultu

re ra

ng

e d

istric

ts, a

t le

ast

20

CF/

BZ

op

era

tion

al p

lan

inc

orp

ora

te v

ultu

re

co

nse

rva

tion

pro

gra

m•

Nu

mb

er o

f sit

e-b

ase

d s

up

po

rt g

rou

ps

co

ntr

ibu

ting

to

vu

lture

co

nse

rva

tion

in

cre

ase

s b

y 10

un

its

•Su

rve

y re

po

rts

•V

CBC

pro

jec

t re

po

rt

Ge

ne

ral p

ub

lic a

re

mo

re re

ce

ptiv

e

tow

ard

s th

e o

vera

ll ro

le v

ultu

res

ha

ve in

th

e e

co

syst

em

25

Vultu

re C

onse

rvat

ion

Actio

n Pl

an fo

r N

epal

(200

9-20

13)

3. B

ree

din

g p

op

ula

tion

of

vultu

res

in t

he

wild

in

cre

ase

d•

Inc

rea

se b

y 20

% in

dic

lofe

na

c f

ree

c

arc

ass

es

ava

ilab

le a

nn

ua

lly a

s fo

od

fo

r vu

lture

s in

are

as

with

hig

h p

op

ula

tion

•

Vu

lture

ne

stin

g s

ites

inc

rea

sed

by

10%

a

nn

ua

lly

•Su

rve

y re

po

rts

•V

CBC

pro

jec

tre

po

rt

•Sa

fe a

ltern

ativ

e

NSA

IDs

ava

ilab

lein

th

e m

ark

et

4. C

ritic

ally

en

da

ng

ere

d v

ultu

res

spe

cie

s su

cc

ess

fully

raise

d in

ca

ptiv

ity

By 2

014,

•

At

lea

st 2

5 p

airs

ea

ch

of

crit

ica

lly

en

da

ng

ere

d v

ultu

res

are

raise

d in

c

ap

tivity

•V

CBC

pro

jec

t re

po

rtA

ll c

ritic

ally

e

nd

an

ge

red

vu

lture

sp

ec

ies

are

ava

ilab

le

for c

ap

tive

bre

ed

ing

5. S

cie

nc

e b

ase

d in

form

atio

n s

yste

m e

sta

blis

he

d

By 2

014,

•

Ne

stin

g c

olo

nie

s o

f vu

lture

s id

en

tifie

d,

ma

pp

ed

an

d m

on

itore

d•

At

lea

st o

ne

vu

lture

exp

ert

tra

ine

d in

e

ac

h p

art

ne

r org

an

iza

tion

•

Bio

log

y a

nd

co

nse

rva

tion

sta

tus

of

ea

ch

vu

lture

sp

ec

ies

stu

die

d/d

oc

um

en

ted

•C

en

tra

l da

tab

ase

with

sp

ec

ific

in

form

atio

n o

n v

ultu

re o

pe

ratio

na

l an

d

up

da

ted

an

nu

ally

•D

ata

ba

se•

Surv

ey

rep

ort

s •

Re

po

rts

of

pa

rtn

er

org

an

iza

tion

s•

VC

BC p

roje

ct

rep

ort

Pa

rtn

ers

inp

ut

vultu

re

rela

ted

info

rma

tion

to

st

ren

gth

en

th

e c

en

tra

l d

ata

ba

se s

yste

m

6. P

art

ne

rsh

ip a

mo

ng

na

tion

al a

nd

inte

rna

tion

al

org

an

iza

tion

s f

ost

ere

d

By 2

014,

•

Re

gu

lar f

un

din

g s

up

po

rt f

rom

th

e p

art

ne

r o

rga

niz

atio

ns

bo

th n

atio

na

lly a

nd

in

tern

atio

na

lly

•A

t le

ast

on

e n

atio

na

l an

d re

gio

na

l m

ee

ting

s o

rga

niz

ed

ea

ch

ye

ar

•R

eg

ula

r te

ch

nic

al b

ac

ksto

pp

ing

fro

m t

he

p

art

ne

r org

an

iza

tion

s

•M

oU

s /

Ag

ree

me

nts

,Le

tte

r of s

up

po

rt

•R

ep

ort

s o

f p

art

ne

ro

rga

niz

atio

ns

Ad

eq

ua

te fu

nd

ing

a

nd

te

ch

nic

al s

up

po

rt

is re

ad

ily a

vaila

ble

Out

put

1/A

ctiv

itie

s:•

Enfo

rce

th

e b

an

on

th

e u

se o

f d

iclo

fen

ac

an

d

no

n-t

est

ed

NSA

IDs

•M

on

itor t

he

pre

vale

nc

e a

nd

use

of

NSA

IDs

in

vete

rina

ry p

rac

tice

s a

nd

ph

arm

ac

ies

ac

ross

N

ep

al

•D

eve

lop

cle

ar g

uid

elin

es

on

th

e u

se a

nd

e

ffic

ac

y o

f o

the

r NSA

IDs

in c

olla

bo

ratio

n w

ith

the

ph

arm

ac

eu

tica

l in

du

strie

s •

Re

stric

t p

rod

uc

tion

of

hu

ma

n d

iclo

fen

ac

in

larg

e v

ial s

ize

s (>

3ml)

an

d la

be

l it

as

"no

t fo

r ve

terin

ary

use

”.

Tabl

e 2

-con

td

26

Vultu

re C

onse

rvat

ion

Actio

n Pl

an fo

r N

epal

(200

9-20

13)

Out

put

s 2/

Ac

tiviti

es:

•D

eve

lop

Info

rma

tion

Ed

uc

atio

n a

nd

C

om

mu

nic

atio

n (

IEC

) p

ac

kag

e f

or

co

mm

un

ity a

wa

ren

ess

•Tr

ain

an

d d

eve

lop

Lo

ca

l Re

sou

rce

Pe

rso

ns

(LR

Ps)

at

co

mm

un

ity le

vel c

ap

ab

le o

f im

ple

me

ntin

g t

he

IEC

•C

on

du

ct

aw

are

ne

ss c

am

pa

ign

at

sch

oo

ls a

nd

co

mm

un

itie

s •

Org

an

ize

stu

dy

tou

rs a

mo

ng

ke

y p

ers

on

s o

f re

late

d in

stitu

tion

s to

ob

serv

e v

ultu

re

bre

ed

ing

ce

nte

r an

d J

ata

yu re

sta

ura

nt

an

d s

ha

re c

urr

en

t c

ha

llen

ge

s o

f vu

lture

c

on

serv

atio

n•

Org

an

ize

aw

are

ne

ss ra

isin

g w

ork

sho

ps

for

vete

rina

ry p

rac

titio

ne

rs a

nd

ph

arm

ac

eu

tica

ls•

Org

an

ize

reg

ula

r dist

rict

leve

l me

etin

gs

for

vete

rina

ry p

rac

titio

ne

rs t

o d

iscu

ss is

sue

s p

ert

ain

ing

to

vu

lture

co

nse

rva

tion

•D

ec

lare

an

d e

nfo

rce

hig

h v

ultu

re

po

pu

latio

n a

rea

s a

s ‘D

iclo

fen

ac

Fre

e

Zon

es

(DFZ

s)' a

nd

Ja

tayu

(V

ultu

re)

Safe

Zo

ne

(JS

Z)•

Org

an

ize

wo

rksh

op

an

d s

em

ina

rs t

o

sen

sitiz

e c

on

serv

atio

n p

art

ne

rs o

n v

ultu

re

issu

es

to in

clu

de

vu

lture

co

nse

rva

tion

in

the

ir c

on

serv

atio

n p

rog

ram

s (e

.g.,

rad

io

pro

gra

ms,

pu

blic

atio

ns,

aw

are

ne

ss c

am

ps,

e

tc.)

Out

put

s 3

/Ac

tiviti

es:

De

velo

p g

uid

elin

es

for:

•e

sta

blis

hin

g a

nd

en

forc

ing

dic

lofe

na

c f

ree

zo

ne

s a

nd

Ja

tayu

(V

ultu

re)

Safe

Zo

ne

(JS

Z)

•e

sta

blis

hin

g a

nd

ma

na

gin

g c

om

mu

nity

b

ase

d s

afe

fe

ed

ing

site

s (o

r vu

lture

re

sta

ura

nts

),•

co

llec

tion

of c

att

le in

resc

ue

ce

ntr

e

•m

on

itorin

g g

uid

elin

es

tha

t in

clu

de

s p

rote

ctio

n o

f tr

ee

s o

n p

riva

te la

nd

su

itab

le

for v

ultu

res

Tabl

e 2

-con

td

27

Vultu

re C

onse

rvat

ion

Actio

n Pl

an fo

r N

epal

(200

9-20

13)

•p

rom

otio

n o

f to

uris

m a

nd

inc

om

e

ge

ne

ratio

n a

ctiv

itie

sSu

pp

ort

co

mm

un

itie

s to

est

ab

lish

an

d o

pe

rate

vu

lture

rest

au

ran

ts in

are

as

with

larg

e v

ultu

re

po

pu

latio

nO

rga

niz

e t

rain

ing

fo

r Lo

ca

l Re

sou

rce

Pe

rso

ns

to

imp

lem

en

t c

om

mu

nity

ba

sed

mo

nito

ring

g

uid

elin

es

Inc

orp

ora

te v

ultu

re c

on

serv

atio

n m

ec

ha

nism

in o

pe

ratio

na

l pla

ns

of

CFs

an

d B

uff

er Z

on

e C

Fs

an

d s

up

po

rt t

o p

rote

ct

suita

ble

tre

es

in s

uc

h

site

sZo

nin

g o

f sit

es

in C

Fs a

nd

Bu

ffe

r Zo

ne

CFs

with

la

rge

vu

lture

co

lon

ies

as

pro

tec

ted

vu

lture

b

ree

din

g c

olo

nie

sEn

co

ura

ge

pla

nta

tion

of t

ree

s (b

oth

in

co

mm

un

ity a

nd

priv

ate

lan

d)

suita

ble

for

vultu

re ro

ost

ing

an

d n

est

ing

Re

co

gn

ize

an

d re

wa

rd c

om

mu

niti

es

an

d

ind

ivid

ua

ls fo

r th

eir

eff

ort

in v

ultu

re

co

nse

rva

tion

Out

put

s 4

/Ac

tiviti

es:

Co

nst

ruc

t b

ree

din

g, q

ua

ran

tine

, ho

spita

l an

d

disp

lay

avi

ary

In

cre

ase

ca

pa

city

of

hu

ma

n re

sou

rce

ba

se f

or

ca

ptu

re, a

via

ry m

an

ag

em

en

t a

nd

ve

terin

ary

c

are

Ca

ptu

re 2

5 p

airs

of

ea

ch

crit

ica

lly e

nd

an

ge

red

vu

lture

s fo

r VC

BC, K

asa

ra

De

velo

p m

ec

ha

nism

fo

r su

pp

ly o

f sa

fe a

nd

d

iclo

fen

ac

fre

e f

oo

d t

o v

ultu

res

in c

ap

tivity

C

arr

y o

ut

reg

ula

r he

alth

ch

ec

k u

ps

to e

nsu

re

go

od

he

alth

an

d t

o p

reve

nt

ou

tbre

ak

of

dise

ase

su

ch

as

avi

an

influ

en

zaC

rea

te E

me

rge

nc

y Fu

nd

fo

r cris

is m

an

ag

em

en

tFu

lly e

qu

ip V

CBC

with

ne

ce

ssa

ry f

ac

ilitie

s fo

r m

an

ag

em

en

t a

nd

sc

ien

tific

stu

dy,

inc

lud

ing

C

CTV

fac

ilitie

s fo

r mo

nito

ring

Es

tab

lish

visi

tor i

nfo

rma

tion

ce

ntr

e, i

nc

lud

ing

C

CTV

disp

lay

fac

ilitie

s fo

r aw

are

ne

ss

Tabl

e 2

-con

td

28

Vultu

re C

onse

rvat

ion

Actio

n Pl

an fo

r N

epal

(200

9-20

13)

De

velo

p a

nd

imp

lem

en

t vu

lture

rele

ase

pla

n

Enc

ou

rag

e a

nd

su

pp

ort

loc

al c

om

mu

niti

es

in

sup

ply

of

safe

fo

od

(e

.g.,

rab

bit,

gu

ine

a p

ig,

go

at,

bu

ffa

lo, e

tc.)

Out

put

s 5

/Ac

tiviti

es:

Esta

blis

h a

nd

ma

inta

in a

ce

ntr

al d

ata

ba

se o

n

vultu

res

of

Ne

pa

lO

rga

niz

e a

nn

ua

l me

etin

g o

f vu

lture

c

on

serv

atio

n p

art

ne

rs(n

atio

na

l an

d/o

r re

gio

na

l)P

rep

are

an

d s

ha

re p

rog

ress

rep

ort

s a

nd

n

ew

slett

ers

am

on

g c

on

serv

atio

n p

art

ne

rs a

nd

d

on

ors

Esta

blis

h a

we

bsit

e o

n v

ultu

re c

on

serv

atio

n o

f N

ep

al a

nd

lin

k to

pa

rtn

er o

rga

niz

atio

n w

eb

site

sId

en

tify

an

d m

on

itor n

est

ing

co

lon

ies

of

vultu

res

with

ge

o-r

efe

ren

ce

Mo

nito

r po

pu

latio

n t

ren

ds

of

crit

ica

lly

en

da

ng

ere

d v

ultu

re s

pe

cie

s th

rou

gh

reg

ula

r tr

an

sec

t su

rve

ysU

nd

ert

ake

sa

mp

ling

of

live

sto

ck

ca

rca

sse

s th

at

are

ava

ilab

le t

o v

ultu

res

to q

ua

ntif

y le

vels

of

dic

lofe

na

c c

on

tam

ina

tion

Bu

ild in

stitu

tion

al c

ap

ac

itie

s o

f pa

rtn

er

org

an

iza

tion

s in

vu

lture

co

nse

rva

tion

th

rou

gh

tr

ain

ing

s a

nd

hig

he

r stu

die

s.

Out

put

s 6

/Ac

tiviti

es:

i)Id

en

tify

rele

van

t in

stitu

tion

s a

nd

de

velo

p

me

ch

an

isms

for e

ffe

ctiv

e c

olla

bo

ratio

n.

ii)O

rga

niz

e re

gio

na

l/in

tern

atio

na

l wo

rksh

op

in

on

e o

f th

e v

ultu

re ra

ng

e c

ou

ntr

ies

to s

ha

re

exp

erie

nc

es

iii)

Org

an

ize

exc

ha

ng

e v

isits

am

on

g f

ield

sta

ffs

wo

rkin

g in

ca

ptiv

e b

ree

din

g c

en

tre

s a

nd

re

spo

nsib

le m

an

ag

ers

iv)

De

velo

p p

rop

osa

ls jo

intly

by

co

nse

rva

tion

p

art

ne

rs t

o ra

ise s

uff

icie

nt

fun

ds

for

imp

lem

en

tatio

n o

f vu

lture

co

nse

rva

tion

ac

tion

p

lan

v)D

eve

lop

me

ch

an

ism f

or m

em

be

r sp

on

sors

hip

fo

r vu

lture

co

nse

rva

tion

pro

gra

mm

e

Tabl

e 2

-con

td

vulture conservation action plan for nepal final, 20 july 2009...output vi: partnership among...

Documents