Collaborative Vulture Conservation Model (Seven-Photo)

Kathmandu. Within the serene and lush green surroundings of Kawasoti, the Jatayu Vulture Restaurant is an impressive example of community-based vulture conservation. The center is operated in collaboration with local communities, national and international organizations, where everyone has taken the responsibility of conservation.

The program is carried out under the national leadership of Bird Conservation Nepal and with the international support of BirdLife International. With the active participation of local communities, these organizations have been working on safe food, shelter and long-term conservation strategies for vultures.

Dead pets in neighboring villages are reported by the villagers. The Jatayu officials then test the animals for the presence of diclofenac and other toxins before they are brought to the Jatayu Vulture Restaurant and fed to the vultures. This safe and scientific process has played an important role in reducing the sudden death of vultures.

The centre is a community-led conservation campaign, where local people, conservationists and organisations are working towards a common purpose. This collaboration has established Kawasoti as an important centre for vulture conservation in Nepal.

Nepal is home to more than 900 species of birds. Of these, nearly 80 species of birds have been recorded in the area around Jatayu Vulture Restaurant alone. This clearly shows the ecological importance of the area.

Many of the birds found here are not only permanent residents of Nepal but also migratory winter birds from different countries and other parts of the world. This area of Kawasoti has become a safe habitat and food source for such birds. Jatayu Vulture Restaurant is a special experience for tourists and wildlife photographers alike. The vultures can be seen very closely with their natural behavior from the photo hide made nearby.

The area is a haven for various vulture species. The presence of the royal vulture, the grey vulture, the mountain vulture and the dangor vulture have further strengthened the biodiversity and conservation value of the place. Jatayu Vulture Restaurant is not just a feeding site: it is a living story of co-existence between communities, institutions and nature – where conscious efforts have shown the way to conserve not just vultures but the entire ornith and ecosystem. See the rest of the image: