Description

The Rotaract Club of Jyoti Nivas College hosted a vital awareness initiative focusing on the conservation of vultures, a species now critically endangered. The event, led by Past President Rtr. Krishnarjun CN, aimed to shed light on the importance of vultures in maintaining ecological balance and the urgent need for their protection. Keynote Address by PP Rtr. Krishnarjun CN: PP Rtr. Krishnarjun's informative session centered on how active citizens can contribute to the conservation of vultures, stressing the critical role they play in keeping the environment healthy. Vultures are the most efficient scavengers in the animal kingdom, and by feeding on carcasses, they prevent the spread of diseases—a service no other scavenger can match. Currently, only nine species of vultures remain in India, and most are under threat. Krishnarjun explained how the decline of vulture populations has led to an increase in free-roaming dogs, which contributes to the spread of rabies and other zoonotic diseases. He emphasized the role vultures play in public health, stressing the need to conserve these birds before their numbers deteriorate further. Participants were engaged through a series of videos showcasing the vital role vultures play in the ecosystem. The meeting then transitioned into a more interactive segment, with attendees divided into breakout rooms for a fun and creative activity—coloring vulture illustrations. This artistic session allowed participants to reflect on the beauty of these often-misunderstood creatures while learning more about conservation efforts. PP Rtr. Krishnarjun also introduced the concept of "vulture restaurants" as a conservation strategy. These are safe zones where vultures can feed on uncontaminated carcasses, which would help prevent exposure to harmful substances like Diclofenac. This initiative not only supports vulture health but also allows for easier population monitoring. Takeaways: The key takeaway from the session was the critical role vultures play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and the various ways individuals and communities can contribute to their conservation. From advocating for the ban of toxic drugs to supporting initiatives like vulture restaurants, participants left with a deeper understanding of how they can help protect these endangered birds.