As nature’s clean-up crew, vultures provide vital ecosystem services by consuming carcasses and helping prevent the spread of diseases that could otherwise arise from rotting animal remains. However, vulture populations have declined significantly due to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac, nimesulide, aceclofenac, ketoprofen and flunixin, which are highly toxic to vultures.
As little as 0.8 mg/kg of diclofenac can be lethal to vultures. International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) is observed every year on the second Saturday of September, with a specific theme highlighting the importance of vulture conservation.
The theme for 2026 is “Together for Vultures and Together for Nature.” Vulture expert Venkitachalam, Assistant Professor of Zoology at Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, is observing IVAD with indigenous communities and various stakeholders in and around the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, along with Bird Club students.
The main objective of the initiative is to involve young people in vulture conservation. His research scholar, Vijaya Kumar, has obtained research permission from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to conduct raptor studies in the Coimbatore Forest Division.
On September 10, 2026, IVAD was observed at Uyilur village in the Coimbatore Forest Division in collaboration with local tribal communities.
Venkitachalam explained the causes behind the decline of vultures and highlighted their importance in maintaining ecosystem services. Research scholar Vijaya Kumar interacted with the local communities on the biology of vultures and their specific habitats in forest areas.
The experts also urged the communities to avoid using harmful NSAIDs on cattle and to refrain from placing poison baits on animal carcasses. They advised the use of vulture-safe drugs such as meloxicam and tofenamic acid and stressed the importance of ensuring that cattle carcasses are free from toxic substances before being left for vultures.
During the interaction, members of the local tribal communities shared their observations of the decline in vulture populations in their surrounding areas. They also agreed to ensure the safe removal and disposal of animal carcasses and to support measures aimed at protecting vultures.
