Apologies if this has been mentioned already but I just wanted to mention a programme on Channel 5 tonight covering the plight of vultures in Asia. Vultures are being poisoned by a drug given to cattle which the vultures feed on when they die. This has caused dramatic population declines. The white-backed vulture has declined by over 99% in about 10 years. Captive breeding programmes are now in place.
This programme is on at 8pm tonight on Channel 5.
There is also further information about the plight of Asia's vultures and our appeal for help on our website here
Hi Richard
Thank you for drawing this programme to our attention
I will watch it as it sounds informative, and it gives us all a wake up call to what people are doing to our wildlife.
It also sounds sad too!
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Hi Richard,
thanks for pointing this programme out
I read recently about the decline in vultures and so will give this a watch.
cheers
Craig
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. - Albert Einstein
Thanks Richard, I was aware of the RSPB campaign for the vultures. A very worthy cause to donate to. I will certainly be watching the programme.
Yeah. looking forward to it. First visit to India was 96 and have been 8 times since.. Obviously not visiting the same places on each visit, but the differences in the numbers throughtout since then is unbelievable, In 2005 we had 3 weeks in S.West India and had ONE single vulture. This year up in Eaglenest we had 5 species but the numbers of all were low and it was a treat and joy to see them.
All I ask is the chance to prove that money can't make me happy. Spike Milligan
Hi there What a eye opener that this documentary was to anyone who was open minded to see the carnage with Vultures, between natural wildlife that eat and dispose of the dead creatures that they do It seemed to be one area of wildlife that has suffered persecution. Then the vultures where consuming cattle that had been given drugs that killed the Vultures - whatever substance was added to kill the vultures by a mistake over deliberate persecution At least there is a captive programme that has been introduced so the more than 200 vultures are back as a species to be respected in the same area. The Vultures are in captivity for a period of 10 years. They produce one chick after they are 5 years old. I really hope that they are fit and well over the years to come. So they must be long lived birds! How old do they get in years? Even though the Vultures are still eating any human remains disposed of due to local beliefs still have the same drug that kills the Vultures in the first place. It is a vicious circle of one thing being noticeable over the other and that includes the Rabid dogs on the increase too. Does anyone know what is happening with the vultures now What are the latest news articles we can hear on this thread. Regards Kathy and Dave
Oh dear, missed this, will try to view later but used the very useful link. Thank you
Kind regards Jane.
This was a very good, very informative programme, showing how appalling the results can be if we meddle unknowingly with nature. Although the problem is being dealt with now, it was worth seeing the background and how the root problem was discovered.
Seriously thinking about trying harder!
I first heard about this a few years ago. Our local wildlife hospital hosted a wildlife rescue / conservation symposium which included a very interesting talk about the problems the vultures were facing and what the speaker's organisation was doing to help.
Since then I've been following what our local bird of prey centre does. The owner is heavily involved in vulture conservation and he and his staff frequently go to Africa and Asia to help with projects out there. If you're interested in their work, the link is http://www.gauntlet.info/crisis.html
It's good to know that the problem's source has been identified and that so many positive steps are being taken to reverse the decline wherever possible.
A closed mouth gathers no foot.