Scavenger birds in Buxa

Rajabhatkhawa, Feb. 23: The first inmates have arrived at the vulture breeding centre in Buxa Tiger Reserve. They are two pairs of slender-bill vultures brought from Assam. The center’s in-charge said that it was the first time that this particular species of vulture was attempted to be bred in captivity; something which has never been done before.

Apart from the slender bill vultures, white back vultures are also found in the country. The official stated that at least 25 pairs of both types will be brought to the centre after the preliminary attempt.

The vulture breeding centre was set up last year by the Bombay Natural History Society in collaboration with the environment and forest ministry and the state forest department – the project was funded by the UK-based Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The objective of the centre was to protect the scavengers which are under threat of extinction primarily due to the use of the drug Diclophenac in treating cattle; the scavengers are infected while feeding on their carcasses.

Apart from Haryana and Buxa Tiger Reserve, there are no such centres in India. In the Buxa Tiger Reserve stretching along an area of 5 acres, there are seven such shelters that will accommodate two pairs each. The centre has not yet been opened for visitors.

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