Thanks to lions, vultures return to Gujarat coast
The number of vultures in the 70-km coastal stretch from Mahua-Rajula-Nageshree has steadily increased from an all-time low of 87 in 2010 to 134 in 2012. In fact, the extremely rare Eurasian Griffon specie of vultures that were only winter visitors to Mahuva, are now seen throughout the year.
Besides serious conservation efforts and people's awareness, wildlife experts also attribute the increase to the presence of large number of lions in the revenue land in this region. Vultures feast on the animals that have been preyed upon by lions.
"Since these lions are out of forest area, they mostly kill domestic cattle and feed on them in open fields. Moreover, these animals are untreated and not administered Diclofenac, which is the sole reason for vulture's decline. This helps vultures to have a healthy food chain," said Ruchi Dave, honorary wildlife warden, Bhavnagar district.
Recently, wildlife enthusiasts spotted 25 endangered vultures including two Eurasian Griffons, feeding on the carcass left behind by an Asiatic lion near Rajula in Amreli district.
"Few days ago, I spotted eight vultures feasting on an animal killed by lions," said Jasubhai Mobh, a maldhari living in Mobh Nesh near Khambha.
Lions are in good numbers in Mahuva, Rajula, Khambha, Jafrabad and Savarkundla area and most of them are out of protected forest area. "There are over 75 lions in this 70 km area and most of them are in revenue area. We have often seen vultures eating the lion's kill in these areas," said Vipul Laheri, honorary wildlife warden, Amreli.
Notably, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has selected the Mahuva area as one of the six Provisional Vultures' safe Zone in the country.
Lions' presence in this 'vulture' zone has helped these birds stay put. "Eurasian Griffon vultures have been observed throughout the year, which indicates that this area is a non-disturbed habitat for vultures," Dave said.
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