Overview
The Vulture Conservation Program in Chitwan, Nepal, is dedicated to protecting and revitalizing declining vulture populations through a comprehensive approach. This includes the creation of Vulture Safe Zones where harmful veterinary drugs like diclofenac, which cause high vulture mortality, are banned. The program also establishes breeding centers, such as the Chitwan Vulture Conservation Breeding Center, to breed and release endangered vultures into the wild.
Community engagement plays a crucial role, with local residents being educated about the importance of vultures and actively involved in conservation efforts through workshops and awareness campaigns. Continuous research and monitoring of vulture populations and their habitats are conducted to gather data that informs effective conservation strategies.
The program also promotes the use of safe alternatives to diclofenac, such as meloxicam, working with veterinarians and farmers to ensure these medications are widely adopted. Additionally, “vulture restaurants” or supplementary feeding sites provide safe, uncontaminated carcasses, sustaining the vulture population and encouraging breeding in a secure environment.
Through these combined efforts, the program has successfully stabilized and increased vulture populations, making it a model for vulture conservation efforts across the region.
Highlights
- Vulture Conservation Program: Participate in the Vulture Conservation Program in Chitwan, focused on protecting and revitalizing vulture populations.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: Explore the numerous monuments in Kathmandu Durbar Square, including the house of the Living Goddess (Kumari Ghar) and the temple of Goddess Taleju.
- Boudhanath Stupa: Visit the Boudhanath Stupa, a significant Buddhist monument known for its giant mandala of peace and beauty.
- Pashupatinath Temple: Experience one of the holiest Hindu shrines in Nepal, located on the banks of the Bagmati River
- Swayambhunath Stupa: Discover the Swayambhunath Stupa, a holy Buddhist site with a history dating back centuries
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Explore the city of Bhaktapur, known for its art, culture, festivals, and traditional Newar lifestyle.
- Mountain Flight: Take an aerial tour to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest.
