Guwahati: In response to repeated vulture deaths caused by poisoning, habitat loss, and the felling of tall nesting trees, the Assam forest department, in collaboration with the Assam Forest School in Jalukbari and the conservation NGO Aaranyak, has launched a vulture conservation initiative in Kamrup district. The program includes a large-scale plantation and distribution drive of tree species preferred by vultures for nesting.
Since last week, around 1,500 saplings—including Simalu, Jamun, Kadam, and other fruit-bearing trees—have been planted at strategic locations across the district. Officials stated on Sunday that these sites were selected to help the vulture population recover by restoring suitable nesting habitats.
These tall trees, often used by vultures for nesting, have become a symbol of hope. Conservationists acknowledged that the saplings may take about 15 years to mature but emphasized that initiating the effort was crucial for long-term recovery.
Vulture Conservation Sankalp Yatra
The awareness and sapling distribution program, named Vulture Conservation Sankalp Yatra, was jointly organized by Assam Forest School and Aaranyak at five locations in Kamrup: Chaturbhuj Lengta Satra in Mirza, Bankhi Gopal Than in Rani, Bamunigaon, Amtola, and Dorabeel. The event was attended by Dimpi Borah, Conservator of Forest (Research, Education & Working Plan); Asom Gaurav awardee Dharanidhar Boro; Priyasa Saikia, Director of Assam Forest School; Juran Ali Ahmed, DFO (Genetics Division); Dipankar Lahkar, Senior Conservation Biologist at Aaranyak; and community leaders known as Sagun Mitra (friends of vultures).
Community Participation Emphasized
Borah highlighted the importance of community participation in conservation and urged local residents to join plantation activities. “Protecting native plant species directly contributes to ecosystem health and successful vulture conservation,” she said.
Lahkar stressed the ecological importance of vultures and the need to plant native species such as Arjun, Simalu, and fruit-bearing trees that support vulture habitats and strengthen biodiversity. He noted that habitat restoration through plantation drives is vital for the long-term survival of these essential scavengers.
Local Engagement and Species Selection
Kamrup district, one of the worst affected by vulture deaths, saw enthusiastic participation from local communities. The awareness program drew residents to religious institutions such as satras, naamghars, and community centers, where around 1,500 saplings were distributed. Species such as Simalu, Kadam, Silikha, Jamun, and Sonaru were chosen because they serve as nesting sites for vultures like the slender-billed vulture and white-rumped vulture.
Priyasa Saikia underlined the importance of collective action to protect vultures for future generations. Dharanidhar Boro, a retired senior forest official, shared experiences from his conservation journey and recited a self-written poem on plants and nature, inspiring a deeper emotional connection with the environment.
