World's First Conservation Centre for Asian King Vultures in Uttar Pradesh
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Establishment of the world's first conservation and breeding centre for Asian king vultures (red-headed vultures) in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh. |
| Centre Name | Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre. |
| Species | Asian king vulture (red-headed vulture or Pondicherry vulture). |
| Conservation Status | IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered (since 2007). Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1. |
| Population Status | Critically endangered; one of the 9 vulture species found in India. |
| Primary Threat | Diclofenac poisoning and habitat loss. |
| Centre's Aim | Improve population through breeding and conservation efforts. |
| Monitoring | 24×7 monitoring with CCTV surveillance. |
| Staff | Includes a scientific officer and a biologist. |
| Diet | Fed twice a week, approximately 3 kilos of meat per feeding. |
| Enclosure Size | Aviary size: 20-feet by 30-feet. |
| Current Inhabitants | One pair of male and female vultures; plans to bring in more. |
| Breeding Details | Vultures form one pair for life and lay one egg per year. |
| Release Strategy | Once a female lays an egg, the pair will be released into their natural environment. |
| Recent Sighting | Red-headed vultures were spotted in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, in 2023. |
| First Acquisition | First vulture brought to the centre on December 30, 2022. |