Guwahati: Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organisation in the region, has launched an outreach initiative to recognise and celebrate the efforts of local communities in vulture conservation.
The programme aims to inspire others to take similar steps and strengthen ongoing conservation efforts for vultures in Assam.
Assam is home to six of India’s nine vulture species, with significant colonies in districts such as Sivasagar, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Kamrup, Kokrajhar, and Dhubri.
However, vultures in the region face severe threats due to human-induced factors, including poisoning, leading to a drastic decline in their population.
To address this issue, Aaranyak has recognised community members in key vulture-bearing areas who have taken exceptional steps to protect these birds.
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Phuleswari Dutta from Koraghat, Dhakuakhana in Lakhimpur, received an appreciation certificate in early December for her dedication to vulture conservation.
Despite facing economic challenges, Dutta has protected vulture nesting trees on her property.
“I have a special affection for these birds,” Dutta said. “I’ve always avoided cutting the trees where they nest, even when I’ve had financial difficulties. I want to preserve these trees as long as I live.”
Rajen Mili from Disangmukh, Sivasagar, was also honoured for his voluntary efforts to help vultures.
Mili collects dead cattle from his area and provides them as food for vultures, ensuring a steady food source for the local vulture population.
In addition to Dutta and Mili, eight other individuals from Sivasagar, Dhakuakhana, and Tinsukia will be recognised for their conservation work in the coming weeks.
Vultures have historically received less attention than other avian species, despite their vital ecological role.
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“Last year, 30 vultures were lost due to poisoning from cattle carcasses,” said Hiren Dutta, Eastern Assam Zone Coordinator at Aaranyak.
“To protect vultures, we need to raise public awareness and change perceptions about the threats they face.”
As part of its efforts, Aaranyak has initiated a widespread public awareness campaign, including outreach programs at schools in Sivasagar and Dhakuakhana districts.
Participating schools include Dikhoumukh College, Na Katani High School, Geleki Triveni High School, Nazira Bartal High School, Mogarhat Gyan Bikash High School, and Harhi Academy High School.
The initiative is led by Aaranyak’s Secretary General and CEO, Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, along with senior conservation biologist Dr. Dipankar Lahkar, Outreach Facilitator Wasima Begum, and Hiren Dutta.
Local volunteers, including Ramen Kalita, Michel Taye, Dipak Arandhara, Uddipta Gogoi, Achinta Borthakur, Joyjyoti Gogoi, Parama Dutta, Dhrubajyoti Chetia, and Ashraf Ahmed, have been instrumental in the success of the outreach programs.
Aaranyak’s efforts aim to inspire more community participation in vulture conservation and secure a sustainable future for these essential scavengers.
