Sighting of endangered Egyptian vultures in Ganjam district delights birdwatchers

Berhampur: Birdwatchers in Palur hill near Golanthara in Ganjam are delighted as the district is playing host to the Egyptian vulture. Birdwatchers, urged the forest department to take steps for the conservation of this critically endangered species.
A memorandum for the protection of the bird was submitted by wildlife activists under the banner of Anchalika Bikash Parishad (ABP) to the regional chief conservator of forests (RCCF), Berhampur, on Saturday on International Vulture Day. They also sought awareness among the villagers in Bhaliagada about the protection of the species.
“Egyptian vulture sightings are a positive development. Along with the divisional forest officer (DFO), Berhampur, we will go to the location. If necessary, we shall urge the government to carry out a project as part of its conservation plan,” said RCCF P K Mishra. Sagar Kumar Patra, president of the organisation, said they had sighted two to three Egyptian vultures in Chikiti area after Cyclone Phailin struck in 2013.
To ensure protection of the birds, the activists requested the government to designate a 10-km radius as a vulture protection zone, create a breeding strategy, and outlaw the use of deadly pesticides in the area. “Called Dhala Saguna (white vulture) in Odia, they scavenge at dumping yards and feed on carcasses. They also eat eggs of other birds,” said Patra.
“Egyptian vultures were earlier more common in Odisha, but their population started to dwindle. It is yet to be ascertained what is causing them to disappear,” said S N Patra, president, Odisha Environment Society, an NGO.