By Rajni Pandey | June 27, 2024
Uttar Pradesh will host the world's first conservation and breeding center for Asian king vultures in Maharajganj, named the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre.
Image Credit: Canva
The Asian king vulture, once common in India, is critically endangered due to diclofenac poisoning. It is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Image Credit: Canva
The center focuses on 24×7 monitoring and breeding of vultures. They mate for life and lay one egg per year, making careful monitoring crucial.
Image Credit: Canva
Vultures at the center are fed twice a week, consuming three kilos of meat per feeding. Only the keeper can enter the strictly monitored enclosure.
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The first vulture arrived on December 30, 2022, followed by another. The center plans to add two female vultures to join the two males.
Image Credit: Canva
The decline in vulture numbers is due to habitat loss and diclofenac poisoning. The center aims to replicate their natural habitat to prepare them for the wild.
Image Credit: Canva
Once a female lays an egg, the pair will be released into their natural environment. The aviary is designed to help them adapt before release.
Image Credit: Canva