Hazaribagh: Vultures' 'Home District' Sees 70% Population Surge

• Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, has become a model for vulture conservation, with 5 out of 9 Indian species recorded.
• The Neo Human Foundation played a crucial role in conservation efforts, leading to a 60-70% increase in vulture population over 10 years.
• The decline in vulture numbers was primarily due to the painkiller Diclofenac, which poisoned vultures consuming treated animal carcasses.
• Hazaribagh is now a Provisional Vulture Safe Zone, with strict monitoring of harmful drugs and a favorable geographical landscape.
• Currently, the district hosts around 400 vultures, despite their slow breeding rate, highlighting successful conservation.