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NSAID Research
The project aims to identify safe alternatives to diclofenac and introduce these into the veterinary marketplace. This work has involved a survey of the clinical use of NSAIDs in vultures and other scavenging birds (click here to obtain the survey form) and is involving safety testing of alternative NSAIDs on African white-backed vultures in South Africa and Namibia (follow link for more)
Satellite Tracking
A two year pilot study supported by the British High Commission (New Delhi) has been undertaken to identify migration routes followed by Eurasian and Himalayan griffon vultures wintering in northern India. Further tracking studies are underway or planned for resident and migratory Gyps vultures in Nepal, India, Cambodia and Georgia. Recent results from Nepal suggest birds are ranging further than expected.
Identification of the routes of vulture exposure to diclofenac
RSPB is funding a project, in collaboration with Wildlife Institute of India and BNHS, to identify how vultures are being exposed to diclofenac. We are sampling tissues from livestock carcasses across northern India and conducting interviews with veterinarians and livestock owners to understand diclofenac use.
Impacts of vulture declines on Human Health
The decline in vulture populations has lead to an abundance of cattle carcasses which has caused a huge increase in populations of other scavengers such as feral dogs, which pose a health risk to humans. As a related project, the British High Commission is supporting a project investigating the indirect impacts the vulture declines have had on public health. See here for more information.
Vulture surveys and monitoring in India and Nepal
As part of the vulture work, the RSPB has funded Bird Conservation Nepal and BNHS to monitor colonies and conduct surveys of vultures. This will enable population trends to be monitored for resident vultures and to ensure breeding colonies are protected through working with local communities.
Vulture populations and movements in Southeast Asia
The recent sightings of white-backed and slender-billed vultures in Cambodia has raised the possibility of significant numbers of these species remaining in Southeast Asia. We are undertaking monitoring and tracking studies to estimate population size and ensure the conservation of vultures in these areas.See here for more information.
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