Gyps Vulture Restoration
Project Category: Species
Donor Agencies: BirdLife International, Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi
Start Date: June 2007
Planned End Date: May 2015
Summary
The Oriental White-backed Vulture (Gyps benegalensis) was once described as the commonest species of vulture found in the Indian sub-continent (Gilbert et al 2002). It was quoted as the most widely distributed species in Pakistan (Roberts 1991), occurring in provinces of Punjab, Sindh and North West Fortier Province (NWFP).
In response to the catastrophic declines of vultures in south Asia, WWF-Pakistan launched the Gyps Vulture Restoration Project in 2004. The key project objective is to conserve a viable population of Oriental White-backed Vultures Gyps bengalensis in a safe environment. Once the captive population is secure, the longer term aim is to breed enough vultures for eventual release back to the wild.
The project will also monitor the remaining wild populations and lobby for Diclofenac (drug responsible for population decline) free environment.
Objective
- Establish an international standard captive breeding facility for the Oriental white-backed vulture (Gyps bengalensis).
- Engage international raptor experts who have expertise of breeding and releasing birds of prey, old world vultures in particular.
- Coordinate the in-situ conservation activities in partnership with the custodian government departments and liaise with various organizations to carry out monitoring of Gyps vultures in Pakistan.
- Overall manage the facility and staff.
- Directly manage all grants.
