Jharkhand to launch first Vulture conservation and breeding centre in Ranchi

In a major boost for India’s dwindling vulture population, Jharkhand is set to operationalise its first Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre in Ranchi, offering a lifeline to the critically endangered species.

The centre, sanctioned in 2009 at Muta , around 36 km from Ranchi, was aimed at increasing the dwindling population of vultures. Infrastructure development was completed in 2013 at a cost of Rs 41 lakh, including a main cage, a small hospital, and two care units. However, for years, the centre could not be started due to bureaucratic hurdles and the denial of permission from the Union ministry of forests and environment to keep vultures, it was revealed by a retired forest official.

It was informed that the state cabinet had approved the proposal on Monday, and efforts will be made to make the centre operational by next year, said Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) SR Natesh . Technical support and supervision will be provided by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) , with correspondence soon to be initiated with other vulture centres across the country to bring birds to Jharkhand for breeding purposes.

In 2015, four casual workers from the forest department were sent to the Pinjore vulture breeding centre in Haryana for training on handling vultures in captivity. Minor repairs are required at the centre, and a request for additional funds from the government will soon be made.

A vulture census in the state will be commenced from December 15 alongside tiger estimation, it was announced. Vultures are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act .

It was explained by BNHS Jharkhand coordinator Satya Prakash that nine species of vultures are found in the country, of which six have been observed in Jharkhand, including the white-backed vulture, long-billed vulture, Himalayan vulture (migratory), Egyptian vulture, red-headed vulture, and Cinereous vulture. Once abundant across India, vultures have nearly disappeared due to poisoning linked to the veterinary drug diclofenac , it was noted. Vultures feeding on contaminated cattle carcasses either die of acute kidney failure or suffer reproductive failure.

The vulture population in the country is around 10,000, and it was stated that their number has increased in Jharkhand in recent years, with recent studies estimating between 400 and 450 in the state. While mostly found in Hazaribag and Koderma districts , vultures have also been spotted in other areas.

It was highlighted that vultures play a crucial ecological role despite their grim reputation. By consuming carcasses, they act as natural clean-up agents, preventing the spread of deadly diseases such as anthrax and rabies. Their presence maintains ecosystem balance, supports biodiversity, and reduces economic and public health costs.

To further conservation efforts, a ‘vulture restaurant’ has been set up in Koderma district, providing diclofenac-free animal carcasses. The facility, located on one hectare at Gumo under Tilaiya Nagar Parishad, serves as a designated feeding site for the birds.