A Blueprint for the Recovery of Asia’s
Globally Threatened Vultures

February 2021
(with new actions highlighted)

The Current State of South Asia’s Vultures
Twenty years ago there were tens of millions of vultures in the Indian subcontinent. They provided avaluable ecosystem service by disposing of millions of tonnes of waste carrion from dead cattle eachyear. Now they, and the services they provided, are nearly all gone. Three species of Gyps vultures
endemic to South and Southeast Asia, white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), long-billed vulture(G. indicus) and slender-billed vulture (G. tenuirostris), are the worst affected, but red-headed
vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) is listed by IUCN as Critically Endangered and Egyptian vulture (Neophron
percnopterus) is Endangered. All five species are threatened with global extinction after rapid
population declines, which began in the mid-1990s. The white-rumped vulture population in India in
2007 was estimated at one-thousandth of its level in the early 1990s.
Veterinary use of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac is the major cause of
the declines in Gyps vulture populations. Diclofenac has been used to treat symptoms of disease andinjury in domesticated ungulates in many parts of the Indian subcontinent since the 1990s. The
effects of diclofenac have been studied experimentally on captive individuals of three of the global
total of eight Gyps vulture species. In all the species tested, death occurred within a few days oftreatment with a single low dose of diclofenac, associated with severe kidney damage. Extensive
visceral gout (accumulation in tissues of the excretory product uric acid) and necrosis of kidney
tissues were observed at post-mortem. The kidneys of vultures that died in these experiments
showed similar pathology to that found in the majority of vulture carcasses collected from the wildsince the declines began. A large-scale survey of the amount of diclofenac in liver tissue fromcarcasses of domesticated ungulates available as food to vultures in India in 2004 – 2005 showedthat the prevalence and concentration of the drug at that time was more than sufficient to cause theobserved rapid population declines which were occurring then.
Veterinary use of diclofenac was banned in India, Pakistan and Nepal in 2006, in Bangladesh in 2010
and in Cambodia in 2019. Use of diclofenac has declined markedly since then in some areas but haschanged very little in others. Diclofenac has partly been replaced in veterinary use by the vulturesafe NSAID meloxicam. In India, the prevalence of diclofenac in cattle carcasses has declined most inareas where the prevalence of meloxicam has increased most, indicating a beneficial switch in someregions. However, some other NSAIDs which have replaced diclofenac in veterinary practice in theregion have been shown to be toxic to vultures.
There are important differences between Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent in the
problems faced by vulture populations. Cambodia still supports small but stable remnant
populations of white-rumped vulture, slender-billed vulture and red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps
calvus), numbering hundreds of individuals in total. Diclofenac has been less widely used forveterinary purposes in the Southeast Asian countries where surveys have been conducted, including
Cambodia and Myanmar. Most recorded vulture deaths in Cambodia are attributed to accidental
poisoning when poison bait, which is usually a pesticide, is placed with the intention of killing otherspecies. Hunters use poisoned bait to catch and kill quarry species such as waterbirds and poisoned
bait is also used to kill problem dogs and wild carnivores which threaten livestock and also to killproblem cattle. This activity is illegal, but enforcement to prevent it is difficult. Cambodia’s vultures
are also thought to be chronically food limited. Populations of wild ungulates on whose carcasses
they previously relied upon have undergone severe declines. The free-ranging herds of domestic
bovids that replaced them are now also declining, as a result of the mechanisation of agriculture.
Infrastructure development and illegal logging are increasingly bringing people into remote areas
where vultures remain.

1

Conservation Responses
Soon after research had indicated the severity of the effects of diclofenac on vulture populations,the governments of India, Pakistan and Nepal commenced actions to prevent the contamination ofvulture food supplies with the drug. India’s National Board for Wildlife recommended a ban onveterinary use on 17 March 2005. In May 2006, a directive from the Drug Controller General of India
was circulated to relevant officials, requiring the withdrawal of manufacturing licences for veterinary
formulations of diclofenac. This directive was further strengthened in 2008, when it was gazetted,
and made an imprisonable offence to manufacture, retail or use diclofenac for veterinary purposes.
Similar measures were introduced in Pakistan and Nepal at about the same time. Veterinary use of
diclofenac was banned in Bangladesh in 2010 and in Cambodia in 2019. Its continued legal use as a
medicine for humans has made access to veterinary diclofenac difficult to regulate, especiallybecause some pharmaceutical companies produce vials of diclofenac ostensibly for human use, but
containing a quantity of the drug suitable for dosing cattle. The Government of India acted to ban
the production of these large vials of diclofenac in 2015.
In 2006, the veterinary NSAID meloxicam was identified by safety-testing research to be safe forvultures. Safety-testing studies in 2020 suggests that another drug, tolfenamic acid, is alsosufficiently safe to be provisionally recommended. However, some other NSAIDs which have
replaced diclofenac in veterinary practice in the region have been shown by safety-testing studies to
be toxic to vultures. These include aceclofenac, which is converted to diclofenac in cattle by their
metabolic processes, ketoprofen, nimesulide and flunixin. Scientific evidence has been published ininternational peer-reviewed journals about the toxicity to vultures of these drugs, but they all
remain approved for legal veterinary use in all range states, except for Bangladesh, where veterinary
use of ketoprofen has now been banned nationally. Research has shown that replacement of
diclofenac with meloxicam has been most effective in Nepal, where a coordinated awareness-raisingprogramme succeeded in reducing the availability of diclofenac in pharmacies to a very low level by
2012. Road transect surveys have shown a marked recover of vulture populations in Nepal sincethat time.
SAVE
Action to prevent the extinction of Gyps vultures in South Asia is coordinated by Saving Asia’s
Vultures from Extinction (SAVE), a consortium of 24 organisations with established expertise invulture conservation, which was established in 2011. The national and state governments of the four
vulture range states in the Indian subcontinent are engaged in conservation measures throughnational action plans, and are linking their activities through the Regional Steering Committee for
Vulture Conservation (RSC), set up to implement the recommendations of the inter-governmental
Declaration on Vulture Conservation within the region in May 2012. For more details of thecomposition and function of SAVE visit www.save-vultures.org.
Conservation actions undertaken so far, in addition to advocacy for restrictions on diclofenac use,
include surveys to measure the effectiveness of the ban on veterinary diclofenac, regular surveys ofvultures to measure their population trends, awareness-raising to make the ban more effective,
advocacy for enforcement of the ban, contact with the pharmaceutical industry, testing to establish
which veterinary drugs are safe and which are harmful to vultures, advocacy with government drug
regulatory authorities to ban toxic drugs and improve approval procedures, advocacy withgovernment agriculture departments to reduce state support for the purchase of vulture-toxic but
legal veterinary NSAIDs, the creation of Vulture Safe Zones in which intensive campaigns areundertaken to remove toxic NSAIDs from the food supply of the remaining small populations of wild2

vultures, and conservation breeding to provide a secure captive population and captive-bred birds
for reintroductions.
Vulture conservation measures in Cambodia differ from those employed in the Indian subcontinent
because the threats are different, especially in the absence of a significant threat from diclofenac.
For Myanmar, where engagement has been more recent, actions are also under review as thethreats there are less well understood. Conservation actions taken so far in Cambodia include
monthly supplementary feeding at up to four sites in the north and east of the country, nest
protection and advocacy against inappropriate use of agricultural chemicals as poisons.
There is Hope for South Asia’s Vultures
Conservation actions have achieved substantial success and have resulted in the following majorachievements.
1. All vulture range states in the Indian subcontinent, and most recently in Cambodia havebanned the veterinary use of diclofenac.
2. In India, the government has banned the production of large vials of diclofenac, ostensiblyfor human use, to prevent their illegal misuse for the treatment of cattle.
3. In India, monitoring of NSAID residues in cattle carcasses shows that the level of diclofenac
contamination of the vulture food supply has fallen substantially. Similar studies are in
progress in Bangladesh.
4. Safety testing identified one safe alternative drug, meloxicam, and a second, tolfenamic acidhas also recently been identified as being safe. Monitoring of NSAID residues in cattle
carcasses shows that meloxicam’s use has increased markedly in the region and that
diclofenac levels in cattle carcasses declined most where meloxicam increased most.
5. Vulture Safe Zones, which were pioneered in Nepal, are being introduced in other states,
and are being expanded, tested and developed. In Nepal, they cover most of the terai
regions of the country and have resulted in replacement of diclofenac, mostly by vulturesafe meloxicam. In Bangladesh, Vulture Safe Zones have been given formal gazetted legal
status.
6. Population monitoring in Cambodia indicates that the small populations of vultures there
are approximately stable or declining slowly.
7. Captive populations of all three of the endangered Gyps species have been established andhave grown through captive breeding. The captive birds are surviving well and second
generation (F2) birds are now also breeding. Releases have been initiated in Nepal and India.
8. In India, regular monitoring of vultures using the repeatable survey method of road transect
counts shows that vulture declines have slowed or ceased, whilst in Nepal vulture
populations have increased consistently since 2012. Evidence from vulture monitoring inPakistan and Bangladesh also indicates that the population declines there have slowed orreversed.
9. Efforts to address the threat of poison baits are at an early stage with trial poison response
training held recently in Cambodia. This is seen as an initial step for further development in
the other range countries.
What remains to be done?
These are all hopeful signs, but the following serious concerns remain:
1. Vulture populations are precariously small and will remain vulnerable to adverse events until
numbers have increased substantially. This vulnerable period will be lengthy because the
3

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

low natural reproductive capacity and long duration of immaturity of vultures means that,even under the most favourable conditions, the shortest period in which a wild vulture
population can double in size is about ten years. The rate of the recent population decline
was much more rapid than the most rapid possible rate of increase, with the population of
the species most strongly affected by diclofenac halving every year in India and Pakistan.
Even when diclofenac has disappeared, conditions may not permit the maximum possible
rate of recovery because of other problems caused by the vulture decline (see points 2 and 3
below) and effects of other NSAIDs (see points 5 - 7 below).
In the Indian subcontinent, the disappearance of vultures has led to cattle carcasses being
disposed of in ways, such as burial, that may restrict the availability of carrion as food for arecovering vulture population in the future. In Southeast Asia, low populations of wild anddomesticated ungulates continue to limit the small vulture populations there.
Increases in populations of feral dogs and other predators, caused by enhancement of theircarrion food supply in the absence of vultures, may be increasing the frequency of predationof livestock and, as a response, the deliberate placement of poison baits in carcasses to kill
the predators. This in turn leads to unintended poisoning of vultures. Large populations offeral dogs and other species of scavengers give rise to other problems, such as an increased
risk of dog bites and rabies in humans and other types of disease and public nuisance.
Dealing with these problems imposes substantial extra costs on government agencies andcharities.
Contamination of cattle carcasses with diclofenac has declined, but it has not yet been
eliminated. Diclofenac intended for human use is easy to obtain, and easy to misuse for thetreatment of livestock. Consequently, carcasses of wild vultures continue to be found withtraces of diclofenac in their tissues and post-mortem findings continue to indicate that
diclofenac poisoning was the cause of death.
The veterinary use of another NSAID (ketoprofen) known to be toxic to Gyps vultures is legal
and has increased. Published evidence shows that aceclofenac, ketoprofen, nimesulide andflunixin are toxic to vultures, but they remain in legal veterinary use in several key countries.
Other NSAIDs are also in legal use which may be harmful to vultures, but have mostly not yet
been tested.
Aceclofenac, a legally approved NSAID that is metabolised into diclofenac after being
administered to cattle, is being used. It is highly likely to kill vultures that feed oncontaminated carcasses in exactly the same way that diclofenac does.
There is no coordinated, well-established and efficient regulatory mechanism by which legal
restrictions are imposed upon veterinary drugs known to cause harm to vultures or on those
whose effects have not yet been studied.
In some areas, the sparse remaining populations of vultures are threatened by loss or
disturbance of nest sites through tree-felling or development.

41) SAVE Board and Committees
AD - Advocacy
Actions Action
Code
AD2

AD2

AD2
AD2
AD2
AD3/4

AD3/4

AD3/4

AD3/4

AD3/4

AD5

AD5

Lead
By (endPartnerdate)(s)Achieve the banning of the veterinary use of ketoprofen, aceclofenac, nimesulide,
carprofen, and flunixin in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia &Myanmar. First step to stop Government purchase or supply of all 5 NSAIDS
Discuss the issue with the Regional Steering Committee, all
SAVE
2021
governments and pharmaceutical industry using research
results.
Make/update materials available on website specific to these SAVE
2021
NSAIDs
RSPB
Promote action on RSC agenda, highlighting results of latest
SAVE
2021
round of pharmacy surveys
SAVE to promote new India Vulture Action Plan, urgency of
SAVE
2021
safety testing; discuss at RSC
Establish system and procedures by which veterinary drugs with unknown effects on
vultures have their approval for veterinary use withheld or withdrawn until scientifictesting on Gyps vultures establishes their safety at maximum likely exposure levels.
(ALL, although lower priority only for Cambodia)
Provide and update technical assistance and advice on the
SAVE
2021
operation of the procedures, using information from
RSPB
monitoring.
Discuss with NVRCs and at Regional Steering Committee(RSC).
Approach medicines regulatory authorities to request thatany new veterinary medicine should be tested for safety tovultures prior to registration/release to market.
[NB to amend wording here after discussion with drug
authority representatives/experts]
Refine details and plan of engagement with government
mechanism on this in each country using inputs from newly
established SAVE Pharma Working Group network

SAVE

2021

SAVE
(FACC)

2021

Explore the possibility of a moratorium on new (veterinary)
NSAIDsSAVE

Tried
but not
effective
Work with both the pharmaceutical industry and governments to identify, by a robust
safety testing and approval process, NSAIDs that are safe for vultures. Currently
meloxicam is the only such drug.
Agree on best approach to achieve robust safety testing, andSAVE TAC 2021
to acknowledge any progress - through relevant national
partners.

5

AD5

TAC with IVRI to promote next priority NSAIDs for testing

SAVE TAC
BNHS
IVRI
RSPB

2021

AD5

Complete testing, confirm and promote safety of tolfenamic
acid
Facilitate production of tolfenamic acid report (andpublication) and ensure maximum promotion of this

IVRI

DONE

Add page to SAVE website highlighting NSAIDs of concern andprogress in regulating them (include updates on pharmacy
surveys).
All partners to alert SAVE of any changes & post on website.
Review progress annually.
SAVE: Improve prominence on SAVE website & update
information.

SAVE

Annual

SAVE

2021

AD5

AD6

AD6
AD6

AD6

AD7

AD7
AD7

AD7

AD7

AD9
AD9

AD10
AD10

IVRI
2021
BNHS
RSPB
SAVEChairContribute, with government agencies and pharmaceutical companies, to maintaining
pharmacovigilance and regulation of veterinary drugs, to prevent their negative
effects on wild vultures.
Proposed procedure/s to be developed and shared.
SAVE
2021
Write ‘manifesto’ regarding how veterinary NSAIDs should be SAVE
2021
regulated
FACC
Pharmacontacts
Congratulate Indian Govt on National Action Plan
Chair
2020
commitments and follow up on how this can be achieved
across India
Establish a SAVE alert web-based system for veterinary drugs which combines
information of levels of use from pharmacy surveys and analyses of cattle carcasses
with results from safety testing to draw attention of govts to potentially hazardous
drugs.
Operate system and provide advice to the Regional Steering
SAVE
2021
Committee, governments and pharmaceutical industry
Establish system within SAVE. (System established 2016)
SAVE TAC 2021
Operate system and provide advice to the Regional Steering
Committee, governments and pharmaceutical industry.

Develop wider awareness-raising initiatives to highlight NSAIDs concerns and provide
incentives acknowledgement of those taking positive steps.
Establish SAVE pharma working group involving initially
SAVE
2021
companies that produce good formulations or showinginterest in supporting
Develop SAVE positions on key issues as highlighted by the CMS Vultures MSAP
Circulate position statements on key issues, especially NSAIDs(see AD6); also, vulture releases, poison baits, food shortages,
collisions, etc. and report at annual meeting [Note Researchneeds also to be added in research and survey section]

SAVE TAC

2021

6

AD10

Update CMS annually on SAVE/Blueprint Updates

SAVE

Ongoing

CB - Captive Breeding
CB1
CB2
CB3
CB5
CB8
CB1,2,
3,5,8

Conservation breeding of OWBV, LBV and SBV at VCBC Pinjore (India).
Conservation breeding of OWBV, LBV and SBV at VCBC Rajabhatkhawa (India).
Conservation breeding of OWBV and SBV at VCBC Rani (India).
Conservation breeding of OWBV at VCBC Chitwan (Nepal).
Conservation breeding of OWBV & LBV at VCBC Bhopal (India)
Propose optimum vulture numbers to be held at centre for each SAVE TAC 2021
species

RM - Research and Monitoring
RM1
RM1
RM1

Develop method for GPS PTT vulture tracking and corpse recovery in VSZs.
Produce harnessing and wing-tagging guides.
RSPB
Provide expert harness-attachment training to all SAVE partners RSPB/
BNHS

RM1

Monitor, analyse, report on survival/outcome of tagging in each
SAVE project (and highlight any refinements)

RM1

Develop alternative tagging method to patagial wing tags, e.g.
use of rivetted leg rings

RM1

Trial corpse recovery methods using new generation of GPS
tags; seek advice from experienced RSPB colleagues

RM10

Estimation of the former and potential future value of the ecosystem services provided
by wild vultures.

RM10

Conduct a survey of costs of cattle carcass disposal, feral dog
SAVE
2021
control and other ecosystem service measurements.
Based on IUCN India paper, VSG to have standard statement onrole of vultures in disease ecology. Current best knowledge ofrole of vultures in ecosystem function is inconclusive.
Update SAVE website with relevant publications.
Investigate factors affecting use of vulture-safe NSAIDs by veterinarians, paravets andlivestock owners.
Conduct questionnaire studies, choice experiments and other
SAVE TAC 2021
investigations, as appropriate.
BNHS
Exploit potential for collaboration with social scientists who
SAVE TAC 2021
could pursue some of this work. TAC identify means to achievethis, eg SAVE website, engage with pharma groups.

RM11
RM11
RM11

DONE
2021

RSPB
BNHS
BCN
SAVE

2021

BNHS
BCN
RSPB

2021

2021

FR - Fundraising
FR1

Develop stronger fundraising capacity.

FR1

Identify national focal points for fundraising. 2. FACC to meet 4times/year and develop further actions.

SAVE

Done

7

FR1

FR1
FR1

Develop sustainable funding approaches for each country/state.
Identify broader set of fundraising opportunities (e.g. GEF
regional multi-country)
Establish a working group to raise funds for and hold overall
responsibility for the Vulture Reserve Fund
Establish a Vulture Reserve Fund of 5 Crore of unrestricted funds
to secure programme

SAVE

2021
Ongoing

SAVE
BNHS
BNHS

2021
2023

2) India
AD - Advocacy
Action
Code
AD1
AD1

AD1

AD1

AD1

AD2

AD2

AD2

AD2
AD2

ActionLead
By (endPartner(s) date)
Achieve the removal from the market of vials of diclofenac supposedly intended forhuman medicine in excess of 3 ml capacity.
Propose restrictions on large vials to the Regional Steering
BNHS
Done
Committee, National Vulture Recovery Committees (NVRCs),
governments and pharmaceutical industry. Establish therestrictions.
Proactive involvement (including providing technicalArulagamDoneassistance) in court case brought by Indian pharma company
to uphold 2015 ban.
Approach appropriate agency/ies accredited /recognised byNotconcerned governments to undertake pharmacy surveys andfeasible
produce reports related to the multi-dose vial issue
DroppedMonitor availability of larger (>3ml) diclofenac vials
BNHS,
2021
Associates,
State
Govts.
Achieve the banning of the veterinary use of ketoprofen, aceclofenac, nimesulide,
carprofen, and flunixin in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia &Myanmar. First step to stop Government purchase or supply of all 5 NSAIDS
Seek bans for all 5 drugs for veterinary use – follow-up on
SAVE,
2021
process already initiated.
BNHS
IVRI
Approach State Drug Controller/Animal Husbandry Director to SAVE,
2021
stop Govt. supplies to vets and prohibits use by Govt vets.
BNHS(refer to 2012 Delhi Declaration) – at least all VSZ initiatives to Arulagam
do thisCorbetFndn
Neohuman
Fndn
Chase aceclofenac ban in 2021
BNHS,
2021
SAVE
Formally approach Drug Controller Gen (India) through IVRI.
SAVE,
2021
Request IVRI to provide technical input for joint
BNHS
recommendation with BNHS to prompt an advisory from DCGI IVRI
on this as interim measure
8

AD2
AD2

AD3/4

AD3/4

AD3/4
AD5

AD5

AD6

AD6

AD8
AD8

AD8

AD9
AD9

Provide technical assistance and advice on the operation of
SAVE
2021
the ban, using information from monitoring.
RSPB
State level advocacy targeting Govt authorities including all
BNHS
2021
state/provincial Animal Husbandry Depts to stop purchasetarget NSAIDs for vets
Establish system and procedures by which veterinary drugs with unknown effects on
vultures have their approval for veterinary use withheld or withdrawn until scientifictesting on Gyps vultures establishes their safety at maximum likely exposure levels.
(ALL, although lower priority only for Cambodia)
Explore the possibility of a moratorium on new (veterinary)
BNHS
Tried
NSAIDsbut
droppedAdditional actions needed here?
Seek greater engagement from National VRC?
Work with both the pharmaceutical industry and governments to identify, by a robust
safety testing and approval process, NSAIDs that are safe for vultures. Currently
meloxicam is the only such drug.
Promote funding of IVRI safety testing and discuss revision of
SAVE
2021
the list of drugs to be tested. Provide encouragement andBNHStechnical advice.
RSPB
IVRI
Contribute, with government agencies and pharmaceutical companies, to maintaining
pharmacovigilance and regulation of veterinary drugs, to prevent their negative effects
on wild vultures.
Initiate discussions with Regional Steering Committee,
BNHS
2021
national committees, governments and pharmaceuticalindustry. Establish procedures.
Improve the availability of more effective vulture-safe drugs and formulations thereby
facilitating take up by veterinary practitioners.
Contact and sensitisation of pharma industry (approach major BNHS
2021
companies for support). Sensitise drug regulation authorities
SAVE
to take appropriate steps to favour production of well
Arulagamformulated veterinary meloxicam.
(TamilShare and publicise good practice examples among SAVE andNadu)
more widely for companies (e.g. Bangladesh) able todemonstrate better (e.g. neutral pH etc) meloxicam
formulations and alert Govts to this aspect. Sensitise morecompanies on this.
Request Director of IVRI to recommend Tolfenamic Acid to
SAVE
2021
MoEFCC and Veterinary Council of India. Publicise results ofBNHS
main report on tolfenamic acid (available on MoEFCC
website/SAVE dossier). Check on Tolfenamic acidformulations that they are being used and accepted by vet
community all countries
Develop wider awareness-raising initiatives to highlight NSAIDs concerns and provide
incentives acknowledgement of those taking positive steps.
Initiate system to support eg cattle shelters & dairy
Arulagam2021
cooperatives that ensure only vulture-safe NSAIDs are used.
SAVE(eg kite-mark/certification system).
Associates

9

AD9

General national awareness programme perhaps using acelebrity as a front person

AD9

Dialogue with drug companies identified producing good
formulations (meloxicam, tolfenamic acid)

BNHS
SAVE
Associates
BNHS
SAVE

2021

2021

CB - Conservation Breeding
CB1
CB1

CB1
CB2
CB2

CB2
CB3
CB3

CB3
CB3
CB6
CB6
CB6

Conservation breeding of OWBV, LBV and SBV at VCBC Pinjore (India).
Maintain the captive population in good health. Produce as
BNHS
2025
many fledglings as possible of all three species, using artificial
intervention as appropriate, but with less emphasis on OWBV
and more on SBV and LBV, using artificial incubation for thosespecies if appropriate. Transfer of surplus immatures to releaseprogramme.
No enhancement of breeding WRV and IV, but full effort to
BNHS
2021
breed more SBV
Conservation breeding of OWBV, LBV and SBV at VCBC Rajabhatkhawa (India).
Maintain the captive population in good health. Produce as
BNHS
2025
many fledglings as possible of all three species (subject tosufficient aviary space). There should be special emphasis on
SBV, using artificial incubation for that species if appropriate.
Transfer of surplus immatures to release programme.
No enhancement of breeding WRV and IV, but full effort to
BNHS
2021
breed more SBV
Conservation breeding of OWBV and SBV at VCBC Rani (India).
Maintain the captive population in good health. Produce as
many fledglings as possible of both species (subject to sufficientaviary space). There should be special emphasis on SBV, using
artificial incubation for that species if appropriate. Transfer ofsurplus immatures to release programme.
No enhancement of breeding WRV and IV, but full effort tobreed more SBV
Complete second and add third colony aviary in Assam centre
Conservation breeding of OWBV and LBV at CZA centres (India).
Training of staff and preparation of facilities
Transfer of captive bred OWBV and LBV from VCBC Pinjore.
Maintain the captive population in good health. Produce as
many fledglings as possible by natural methods.

CB6Transfer captive-bred birds to release facility or other centres.

CB6
CB8
CB8

Update release plan annually.
Conservation breeding of OWBV & LBV at VCBC Bhopal (India)
Establish & maintain a captive population in good health –primarily through supply and exchanges of subadult birds fromother existing centres.

BNHS

2025

BNHS

2021

BNHS

2021

BNHS

2021

MOEFCC
CZA /
State
Zoos
CZA /
BNHS
CZA

2025

BNHS /
State
forestdepartme
nts

2021

2025
2025

10

VS - Vulture Safe Zone – Implementation
VS1
VS1
VS2
VS2

VS3
VS3

Identification and selection of new provisional Vulture Safe Zones (pVSZs) in India, inparticular for LBV.
Collect information and select pVSZs. Completed
BNHS
Done
Capacity building & local advocacy of prov. Vulture Safe Zones (pVSZs) India.
Develop capacity in pVSZs.
BNHS
2021
Neo
Human
Fndn
ArulagamSelection of pVSZs in India suitable for conversion to full VSZs.
Selection and conversion of pVSZs to full VSZs based uponundercover pharmacy monitoring data and monitoring of fatesof tagged vultures. Focus on proposed release areas &transboundary areas VSZs and review current emphasis(prioritise Haryana, UP, Bihar, Gujarat, Tripura, Meghalaya, W
Bengal, Jharkhand)
Review selection/process & then again review in 2019, 2021.
(2017 MP Reviewed)
Maintenance and review of VSZs in India

BNHS
NeoHumanFndnArulagam
SAVE

2022

BNHS
SAVE

2021

Continue VSZ implementation. Potential removal of VSZ status
if monitoring shows that conditions have changed.
Release of captive-bred vultures in VSZs in India.
Identify suitable Release Zones and prepare Vulture Release
Plan for each

BNHS
SAVE TAC

2021

BNHS

2021

VS5

Assessment of Release Zone through undercover pharmacy
surveys and cattle carcass sampling before transfer of birds torelease aviaries

BNHS

2021
AnnualVS5Transfers of captive-bred vultures to holding aviaries in VSZs.

VS3
VS4
VS4
VS5
VS5

VS5

VS20
VS20

BNHS,
2021
IndianState
Govts
Releases of first captive-bred vultures in VRZs.
BNHS,
2021
Ind State
Govts
Livestock management and husbandry training in pVSZs and VSZs in Tamil Nadu
Implement training programme.
Arulagam 2022

ZM - Vulture Safe Zone – Monitoring
ZM1

ZM1

Monitoring movements, survival and causes of death of wild vultures with GPS PTTs in
pVSZs and Release Zones. Aim should be the tagging of at least 30 individuals of eachspecies, for instance WRV in Pinjore, IV in Madhya Pradesh and SBV in Assam.
Seek permits for capture and tagging of wild WRV, IV and SBV
BNHS
2021
in VSZs and Release Zones. Initial tagging trials & monitoring/
Nat Vult
recovery system in place for any mortalities for autopsy.
RC

11

ZM2
ZM2

ZM4

Monitoring of survival and causes of death of released vultures with GPS PTTs in pVSZs
and VSZs.
Tag all captive-reared and captive-bred vultures prior to
BNHS
2021
release with GPS tags. Monitor to identify foraging sites,
recover corpses and establish cause of death.
Monitoring of availability of NSAIDs for veterinary use in representative samples ofpharmacies and other outlets in pVSZs and VSZs.

ZM4

Conduct undercover surveys of outlets for veterinary drugs.
Record NSAIDs offered for use for veterinary purposes. Identify
the provenance and vial size of diclofenac and date of
manufacture offered for veterinary use.

BNHS
Arulagam
NeoHuman Fndn2021

ZM4

Assessment of Release Zone through undercover pharmacy
surveys and cattle carcass sampling before transfer of birds torelease aviaries

BNHS

2021
AnnualZM5Monitoring of wild vulture populations and breeding success in pVSZs and VSZs in India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar & Cambodia.

ZM5

Conduct surveys over representative areas of the zone,
including nest counts and/or road transect surveys, as
appropriate.

BNHS
Arulagam
NeoHumanFndn
Corbett
Fndn

2021

RM - Research and Monitoring
RM1

Develop method for GPS PTT vulture tracking and corpse recovery in VSZs.

RM1

Complete tagging and recovery tests on RHV and LBV. Evaluate
corpse recovery using simulated tagged corpses. Test tag
attachment methods on captive Gyps.
Begin tag deployment on Gyps vultures in pVSZs and VSZs.

RSPB
BNHS

Complete current round of sample collection in several states.
Measure concentrations of all NSAIDs potentially hazardous tovultures.
Publish NSAID monitoring results and expected effects on
vulture death rates

BNHS
IVRI

2021

RSPB
BNHS

2022

RM1
RM2
RM2

RM2
RM5
RM5

RM5

Done

RSPB
Done
BNHS
Road transect surveys of vulture numbers in India. (NB South India isn’t included here.
Needs action to follow-up)
Conduct surveys using same methods as in previous surveys.
BNHS
Every 2Publish results of the survey done in the previous year.
RSPB
years:March
2021
Extend surveys to include South India
tbc
2021
Monitoring of NSAID contamination of ungulate carcasses in northern India and Nepal.

12

RM6

Monitoring of causes of death and NSAID contamination of wild vultures in India,
Pakistan, Nepal, Cambodia & Bangladesh.

RM6

Create database to document circumstances of death of
SAVE
2021
vultures.
BNHS
Annually
Collect as many dead wild and released vultures as possible.
RSPB
Conduct post mortem examinations to determine causes ofdeath.
Take liver and kidney samples and determine concentrations of
all NSAIDs known to be in veterinary use and pesticides andother poisons.
Trialmethods to detect NSAIDs and other poisons in bone and otherhard tissues.
Retain carcasses frozen for future use.
Publish the results periodically.
2020 develop methods for acquiring data for database (egsearching at roosts, sniffer dogs?)
Safety testing on captive vultures at Pinjore of NSAIDs of uncertain toxicity. Needs
updating from previous discussion
Obtain wild Himalayan griffon vultures and house in captivity
BNHS
2021
for safety testing programme.
ongoing
Identification of priority drugs to test
SAVE TAC 2021

RM7
RM7
RM7
RM7

RM7
RM7

RM8
RM8
RM8

Conduct testing of four NSAIDs. Priority: nimesulide,
IVRI
2021
paracetamol, other (see above). Apply to test four more
BNHS
Ongoing
NSAIDs.
Review safety testing programme and decide on testing needs. SAVE TAC Annually
Continue testing programme as NSAIDs posing potential
IVRI
Annually
hazards are identified by the SAVE alert system (see timeline
BNHS
AD6).
Monitoring of availability of NSAIDs for veterinary use in pharmacies and other outlets
in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh other than in VSZs.
Complete current round of undercover and open pharmacy
BNHS,
Annually
surveys linked with sampling of ungulate carcasses (see RM5)
ArulagamPublish NSAID availability monitoring results.
BNHS
every 2
RSPB
years

13

3) Nepal
AD - Advocacy
Action
code
AD1
AD1
AD1
AD2

AD2

AD2
AD3/4

AD3/4
AD6

AD6

AD8

AD8

AD8
AD8

ActionLead
By (endPartner (s) date)
Achieve the removal from the market of vials of diclofenac supposedly intended forhuman medicine in excess of 3 ml capacity.
Seek ban
BCN
Done
Monitor availability of larger (>3ml) diclofenac vials
BCN
Ongoing
Achieve the banning of the veterinary use of ketoprofen, aceclofenac, nimesulide,
carprofen, and flunixin in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia &Myanmar - First step to stop Government purchase or supply of all 5 NSAIDS
Seek bans of all 5 drugs for veterinary use – follow-up on
BCN
2021
process already initiated for ketoprofen and aceclofenac.
Approach State Drug Controller/Animal Husbandry
Director to stop Govt. supplies to vets and prohibits use by
Govt vets. (refer to 2012 Delhi Declaration) – at least all
VSZ initiatives to do thisProvide technical assistance and advice on the operation
SAVE
Ongoingof the ban, using information from monitoring.
RSPB
Establish system and procedures by which veterinary drugs with unknown effects on
vultures have their approval for veterinary use withheld or withdrawn until scientifictesting on Gyps vultures establishes their safety at maximum likely exposure levels.
(ALL, although lower priority only for Cambodia)
Explore the possibility of a moratorium on new
BCN
Ongoing(veterinary) NSAIDs
Contribute, with government agencies and pharmaceutical companies, to maintaining
pharmacovigilance and regulation of veterinary drugs, to prevent their negative
effects on wild vultures.
Initiate discussions with Regional Steering Committee,
BCN
2021
national vulture recovery committees, governments and
NTNC
pharmaceutical industry. Establish procedures.
Improve the availability of more effective vulture-safe drugs and formulations thereby
facilitating take up by veterinary practitioners
Contact and sensitisation of pharma industry (approach
major companies for support). Sensitise drug regulation
authorities to take appropriate steps to favour productionof well formulated veterinary meloxicam.
Publicise results of main report on tolfenamic acid(available on MoEFCC website/SAVE dossier)
Check on Tolfenamic acid formulations that they are being
used and accepted by vet community all countries

BCN

Ongoing

BCN
SAVE
BCN

2021
2021

14

CB - Conservation Breeding
CB5Conservation breeding of OWBV at VCBC Chitwan (Nepal).

CB5

Maintain the captive population in good health. Produce as
NTNC
many fledglings as possible by natural methods. Transfer
some captive-reared birds to release facility along with chicksof previous year.
Update the release plan (ongoing) in consultation with
DNPWC
national partners, with plans to release captive-bred birds
BCN NTNC
when less than 2 years old, maintaining best breeding birds
but releasing others. All this subject to ongoing safetyevaluation of the environment and annual review. Continue
with above for new release plan (5 year plan).

CB5

2023

2021

VS - Vulture Safe Zones - Implementation
VS6
VS6
VS7
VS7
VS7

VS13
VS13

Maintenance and review of VSZs in Nepal.
Continue VSZ implementation and expansion

NNVRC,
BCN
Release of captive-reared & captive-bred vultures in VSZs in Nepal.

2021

Releases of captive-reared OWBV not likely to breed from
NNVRC,Done
VCBC.
BCN, NTNC
1-2 Releases of captive-bred OWBVs each year.
NNVRC,
2023
Numbers released subject to annual review, taking release
BCN,
success & numbers of birds bred into account. See more info NTNC
in Additional Reports.
Community-led vulture-based tourism in pVSZs and VSZs in Nepal and Pakistan.
Continue to implement programme in Nepal (after ensuring
viability and ensuring no disturbance).

BCN

2025

ZM - Vulture Safe Zone - Monitoring
ZM1
ZM1

ZM2
ZM2

ZM2
ZM4
ZM4

Monitoring movements, survival and causes of death of wild vultures with GPS PTTs in
pVSZs and VSZs
Seek permits for OWBV capture and tagging of wild vultures
DNPWC 2021
in VSZs. Initial tagging trials & monitoring/ recovery system in BCN
place for any mortalities for autopsy.
Monitoring of survival and causes of death of released vultures with GPS PTTs in pVSZs
and VSZs.
Tag all captive-reared and captive-bred vultures prior to
BCN
2021
release with GPS tags. Monitor to identify foraging sites,
recover corpses and establish cause of death.
Plan further releases to 2024. Ongoing.
DNPWC 2023
BCN
Monitoring of availability of NSAIDs for veterinary use in representative samples ofpharmacies and other outlets in pVSZs and VSZs.
Conduct undercover surveys of outlets for veterinary drugs.
BCN
2021
Record NSAIDs offered for use for veterinary purposes.
Identify the provenance and vial size of diclofenac and date of
manufacture offered for veterinary use.
15

ZM5
ZM5

Monitoring of wild vulture populations and breeding success in pVSZs and VSZs in India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar & Cambodia.
Nepal
BCN
ongoing
Conduct surveys over representative areas of the zone,
including nest counts and/or road transect surveys, as
appropriate.

RM - Research and Monitoring
RM1

Develop method for GPS PTT vulture tracking and corpse recovery in VSZs.

RM1

RM1

Complete tagging and recovery tests on RHV and LBV. Evaluate
corpse recovery using simulated tagged corpses. Test tag
attachment methods on captive Gyps.
Begin tag deployment on Gyps vultures in pVSZs and VSZs.

RM3

Road transect surveys of vulture numbers in Nepal.

RM3

Conduct survey using same methods as in previous surveys.
BCN
2021
Western lowland surveys annually.
RSPB
Midhills and East-West highway survey every four years (donein 2018)
Monitoring of NSAID contamination of ungulate carcasses in northern India and Nepal.

RM5
RM5
RM6
RM6

RM8
RM8
RM8

RSPB
BCN

Done

RSPB
BCN

Done

Publish NSAID monitoring results and expected effects on
RSPB
Done
vulture death rates
BCN
Monitoring of causes of death and NSAID contamination of wild vultures in India,
Pakistan, Nepal, Cambodia & Bangladesh.
Nepal
BCN
2021
Create database to document circumstances of death of
RSPB
Annually
vultures.
Collect as many dead wild and released vultures as possible.
Conduct post mortem examinations to determine causes ofdeath.
Take liver and kidney samples and determine concentrations of
all NSAIDs known to be in veterinary use and pesticides andother poisons.
Trialmethods to detect NSAIDs and other poisons in bone and otherhard tissues.
Retain carcasses frozen for future use.
Publish the results periodically.
2020 develop methods for acquiring data for database (egsearching at roosts, sniffer dogs?)
Monitoring of availability of NSAIDs for veterinary use in pharmacies and other outlets
in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh other than in VSZs.
Complete current round of undercover and open pharmacy
BCN
Annually
surveys linked with sampling of ungulate carcasses
Publish NSAID availability monitoring results.
BCN
every 2
RSPB
years

16

4) Bangladesh
AD - Advocacy
Action
Code
AD1
AD1
AD1
AD2

AD2

AD2
AD3/4

AD3/4
AD6

AD6

AD8
AD8

AD8
AD8

ActionLead
By (endPartner(s)date)
Achieve the removal from the market of vials of diclofenac supposedly intended forhuman medicine in excess of 3 ml capacity.
Bangladesh Make contact & take steps to prevent licensing IUCN B'desh Donethrough drug authorities.
Bangladesh Monitor availability of larger (>3ml) diclofenac
IUCN B'desh 2021
vials
Achieve the banning of the veterinary use of ketoprofen, aceclofenac, nimesulide,
carprofen, and flunixin in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia &Myanmar - First step to stop Government purchase or supply of all 5 NSAIDS
Seek bans for all 5 drugs for veterinary use – follow-up on
IUCN B'desh 2021
process already initiated. Enforce ketoprofen/aceclofenac
ban within VSZ as first step. Extending bans to whole-countrybans is target for ketoprofen/aceclofenac in 2020.
- Hold meetings with Bangladesh DGDA to reinforce &extend ketoprofen ban to national level by 2020
- Push government to enforce the countrywide ban andensure the message of the banning has reached all
stakeholders including pharma companies and all
veterinary offices especially in local levels
Provide technical assistance and advice on the operation of
SAVE
2021
the ban, using information from monitoring.
RSPB
Establish system and procedures by which veterinary drugs with unknown effects on
vultures have their approval for veterinary use withheld or withdrawn until scientifictesting on Gyps vultures establishes their safety at maximum likely exposure levels.
Explore the possibility of a moratorium on new (veterinary)
BNVRC
2021
NSAIDsContribute, with government agencies and pharmaceutical companies, to maintaining
pharmacovigilance and regulation of veterinary drugs, to prevent their negative effects
on wild vultures.
Initiate discussions with Regional Steering Committee,
IUCN B'desh 2021
national committees, governments and pharmaceuticalindustry. Establish procedures.
Improve the availability of more effective vulture-safe drugs and formulations thereby
facilitating take up by veterinary practitioners
Maintain contact and continue sensitisation of pharma
industry (approach major companies for support). Reach out
to smaller companies. Sensitise drug regulation authorities totake appropriate steps to favour production of wellformulated veterinary meloxicam.
Publicise results of main report on tolfenamic acid (available
on MoEFCC website/SAVE dossier)
Check on Tolfenamic acid formulations that they are being
used and accepted by vet community all countries

IUCN B'desh2022

IUCN B'desh2021

IUCN B'desh

2021

17

AD9
AD9

AD9

Develop wider awareness-raising initiatives to highlight NSAIDs concerns and provide
incentives acknowledgement of those taking positive steps.
Initiate system to support e.g. cattle shelters & dairy
BNVRC
2021
cooperatives that ensure only vulture-safe NSAIDs are used.
(e.g. kite-mark/certification system). Dialogue with drug
companies identified producing good formulations(meloxicam, tolfenamic acid).
Develop/promote progress achieved in Bangladesh (labelling) SAVE
2022
& Tamil Nadu (District ketoprofen bans) initiatives
SAVE
Associates

VS - Vulture Safe Zone - Implementation
VS14.
VS14
VS15.
VS15

Identification and selection of pVSZs and VSZs in Bangladesh.
Identify and select pVSZs.
Implementation of pVSZs in Bangladesh.
Continue to implement VSZ programme for two main VSZs.

BNVRC

Done

IUCN
B’desh
BNVRC

2021

ZM - Vulture Safe Zone - Monitoring
ZM1
ZM1

ZM4

ZM4

ZM5
ZM5

Monitoring movements, survival and causes of death of wild vultures with GPS PTTs in
pVSZs and VSZs
Seek permits for WRV and HG capture and tagging of wild
BFD
2021
vultures in VSZs. Initial tagging trials & monitoring/ recovery
IUCN
system in place for any mortalities for autopsy.
B'deshMonitoring of availability of NSAIDs for veterinary use in representative samples ofpharmacies and other outlets in pVSZs and VSZs.
Conduct undercover surveys of outlets for veterinary drugs.
IUCN
2021
Record NSAIDs offered for use for veterinary purposes. Identify
B'deshthe provenance and vial size of diclofenac and date of
manufacture offered for veterinary use.
Monitoring of wild vulture populations and breeding success in pVSZs and VSZs in India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar & Cambodia.
Conduct surveys over representative areas of the zone, including IUCN
2021
nest counts and/or road transect surveys, as appropriate.
B'deshRM - Research and Monitoring
RM4

Vulture population monitoring in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Myanmar.

RM4

Conduct annual surveys following standard procedure.

RM6

BNVRC
Annually
IUCN
B’desh
BFD
Monitoring of causes of death and NSAID contamination of wild vultures in India,
Pakistan, Nepal, Cambodia & Bangladesh.

18

RM6

RM8
RM8
RM8

Create database to document circumstances of death of
IUCN
Annually
vultures.
B'deshCollect as many dead wild and released vultures as possible.
RSPB
Conduct post mortem examinations to determine causes ofdeath.
Take liver and kidney samples and determine concentrations of
all NSAIDs known to be in veterinary use and pesticides andother poisons.
Trial methods to detect NSAIDs and other poisons in bone andother hard tissues.
Retain carcasses frozen for future use.
Publish the results periodically.
Monitoring of availability of NSAIDs for veterinary use in pharmacies and other outlets
in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh other than in VSZs.
Complete current round of undercover and open pharmacy
IUCN
Annually
surveys linked with sampling of ungulate carcasses (see RM5)
B'deshPublish NSAID availability monitoring results.
IUCN
every 2B'desh
years
RSPB

19

5) Pakistan
AD - Advocacy
Action
Code
AD1
AD1
AD1
AD2

AD2

AD2

AD3/4

AD3/4
AD6

AD6

AD8
AD8

AD8
AD8

Country

ActionLead
By (endPartner(s)date)
Achieve the removal from the market of vials of diclofenac supposedly intended forhuman medicine in excess of 3 ml capacity.
Make contact & take steps to prevent licensing through WWF Pak
Donedrug authorities.
SAVE
Monitor availability of larger (>3ml) diclofenac vials
WWF PakOngoing
Achieve the banning of the veterinary use of ketoprofen, aceclofenac, nimesulide,
carprofen, and flunixin in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia &Myanmar - First step to stop Government purchase or supply of all 5 NSAIDS
Seek bans for all 5 drugs for veterinary use – follow-up
WWF Pak
AJK pVSZ
on process already initiated. Maintain ketoprofen andPunjabban by end
aceclofenac ban within Sindh VSZ as first step. Extend
WPD,
2021
these bans to national bans for ketoprofen and
AJK FWD
National ban
aceclofenac and expand on ban in VSZ to include all 5
aim for end
drugs. Extend ban to AJK pVSZ
2022
Provide technical assistance and advice on the
SAVE
2021
operation of the ban, using information fromRSPB PVRP
monitoring.
partners
Establish system and procedures by which veterinary drugs with unknown effects on
vultures have their approval for veterinary use withheld or withdrawn until scientifictesting on Gyps vultures establishes their safety at maximum likely exposure levels.
(ALL, although lower priority only for Cambodia)
Explore the possibility of a moratorium on new
WWF Pak
2021(veterinary) NSAIDs
DRAP/MoCC
Contribute, with government agencies and pharmaceutical companies, to maintaining
pharmacovigilance and regulation of veterinary drugs, to prevent their negative
effects on wild vultures.
Initiate discussions with Regional Steering Committee,
WWF Pak2021
national committees, governments and pharmaceuticalindustry. Establish procedures.
Improve the availability of more effective vulture-safe drugs and formulations thereby
facilitating take up by veterinary practitioners
Contact and sensitisation of pharma industry (approach WWF Pak
2021
major companies for support). Sensitise drug regulation via DRAP
authorities to take appropriate steps to favour
production of well formulated veterinary meloxicam.
Publicise results of main report on Tolfenamic acid
WWF Pak
2021(available on MoEFCC website/SAVE dossier)
Check on Tolfenamic acid formulations that they are
WWF Pak
2021
being used and accepted by vet community all
via DRAP
countries. (Currently not registered in Pakistan.
Sensitise and inform DRAP with results from Tolfenamic
acid report.)20

CB - Conservation Breeding
CB4Conservation breeding of OWBV at VCC Changa Manga (Pakistan).

CB4

Maintain the captive population in good health. Produce as
many fledglings as possible by natural methods and artificial
incubation as necessary. Transfer of birds to releaseprogramme as appropriate. Maintain target of 5 to 10
fledglings per year aimed for release.

WWF Pak

2025

WWF
PakistanWWF
Pakistan
PunjabPWD
AJK FWD

2021

WWF
Pakistan

2021
Ongoing

VS - Vulture Safe Zone - Implementation
VS8
VS8

Identification & selection of additional pVSZ Pakistan.
Develop capacity

VS8

Continuing: progress, monitoring and meetings with
provincial wildlife department to declare as pVSZ. Identified
as AJK. 2020 One more planned (Punjab province)

VS9
VS9

Maintenance & review of VSZs in Pakistan.
Continue VSZ implementation and expansion.

VS10
VS10

Release of captive-bred vultures in VSZs in Pakistan
Releases of captive-bred vultures in VSZs

2021

VS11

WWF
2024
Pakistan
Livestock management and husbandry training in pVSZs and VSZs in Pakistan

VS11

Continue to implement training programme.

VS12Free veterinary camps in pVSZs and VSZs in Pakistan.

VS12

Continue to implement programme. [Ongoing]
Reinforce links with UVAS in Lahore. Plus use local
veterinary capacity (Sindh)

VS13
VS13

WWF Pak
ParkarFndn

2021/ongoing

WWF Pak2021/
ICI
ongoing
Pakistan,
Lahore Uni
Vet School
Community-led vulture-based tourism in pVSZs and VSZs in Nepal and Pakistan.
Creating nature clubs at schools. [Rather than tourism,emphasis is on outreach around breeding centre. Progresswith nature clubs in VSZ at Nagar Parkar] Ongoing Sindh.
Proposed for AJK.

WWF Pak

2021 /
ongoing

ZM - Vulture Safe Zone -Monitoring
ZM1
ZM1

Monitoring movements, survival and causes of death of wild vultures with GPS PTTs in
pVSZs and VSZs
Seek permits for WRV capture and tagging of wild vultures inWWF
2021
VSZs. Initial tagging trials & monitoring/ recovery system inPak+place for any mortalities for autopsy.
provincial
WDs
21

ZM3
ZM3
ZM4
ZM4

ZM5
ZM5

Monitoring of movements, survival and causes of death of released vultures with GPS
PTTs in pVSZs and VSZs in Pakistan.
Tag all released captive-bred vultures. Monitor to identify
WWF Pak 2024
foraging sites, recover corpses and establish cause of death.
Monitoring of availability of NSAIDs for veterinary use in representative samples ofpharmacies and other outlets in pVSZs and VSZs.
Conduct undercover surveys of outlets for veterinary drugs
WWF Pak 2021
(prioritise AJK pVSZ then Sindh VSZ). Record NSAIDs offered foruse for veterinary purposes. Identify the provenance and vial
size of diclofenac and date of manufacture offered forveterinary use.
Monitoring of wild vulture populations and breeding success in pVSZs and VSZs in India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar & Cambodia.
Maintain surveys over representative areas of the zone,
WWF Pak 2021
including nest counts and/or road transect surveys, as
appropriate.

RM - Research and Monitoring
RM4

Vulture population monitoring in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Myanmar.

RM4

National survey planned (funding/personnel required).
Maintain annual surveys in specific areas (VSZs) prior to a
National survey being achieved.

RM6

Monitoring of causes of death and NSAID contamination of wild vultures in India,
Pakistan, Nepal, Cambodia & Bangladesh.
Create database to document circumstances of death of
WWF Pak 2021
vultures.
THC
Annually
Collect as many dead wild and released vultures as possible.
Conduct post mortem examinations to determine causes ofdeath.
Take liver and kidney samples and determine concentrationsof all NSAIDs known to be in veterinary use and pesticides andother poisons.
Trial methods to detect NSAIDs and other poisons in bone andother hard tissues.
Retain carcasses frozen for future use.
Publish the results periodically.
Monitoring of availability of NSAIDs for veterinary use in pharmacies and other outlets
in Pakistan.

RM6

RM9
RM9

Conduct undercover surveys of outlets for veterinary drugs.
Record NSAIDs offered for use for veterinary purposes.
Identify the provenance and vial size of diclofenac offeredillegally for veterinary use.

WWF
Pakistan

WWF PakHC

2021

2021 /
Ongoing226) Cambodia
AD - Advocacy
Action
Code
AD1
AD1
AD1

AD2

AD2

AD2
AD3/4

AD3/4
AD6

AD6

AD8
AD8

AD8
AD8

ActionLead
By (endPartner(s)date)
Achieve the removal from the market of vials of diclofenac supposedly intended forhuman medicine in excess of 3 ml capacity.
To achieve Govt. ban of veterinary diclofenac
CVWG
Done
Follow-up on the ban, enforcement, collect baseline data,
CVWG
2021
monitoring for large vial human diclofenac. Conduct diclofenac
and NSAID survey at five provinces around vulture site.
Achieve the banning of the veterinary use of ketoprofen, aceclofenac, Nimesulide,
Carprofen, and Flunixin in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia &Myanmar - First step to stop Government purchase or supply of all 5 NSAIDS
Assess need for removal of 5 target NSAIDs from the market
CVWG
2022
and seek a ban / prevent licensing prior to entry to themarket.
Monitor availability and use of target NSAIDs
CVWG
2021
Establish system and procedures by which veterinary drugs with unknown effects on
vultures have their approval for veterinary use withheld or withdrawn until scientifictesting on Gyps vultures establishes their safety at maximum likely exposure levels.
(ALL, although lower priority only for Cambodia)
Explore the possibility of a moratorium on new (veterinary)
CVWG
2021
NSAIDsContribute, with government agencies and pharmaceutical companies, to maintaining
pharmacovigilance and regulation of veterinary drugs, to prevent their negative
effects on wild vultures.
Initiate discussions with Regional Steering Committee,
CVWG
2021
national committees, governments and pharmaceuticalindustry. Establish procedures.
Improve the availability of more effective vulture-safe drugs and formulations thereby
facilitating take up by veterinary practitioners
Contact and sensitisation of pharma industry (approach major CVWG
2022
companies for support). Sensitise drug regulation authorities
to take appropriate steps to favour production of wellformulated veterinary meloxicam.
Publicise results of main report on Tolfenamic acid (available
CVWG
2021
on MoEFCC website/SAVE dossier)
Check on Tolfenamic acid formulations that they are being
CVWG
2021
used and accepted by vet community (all countries)

VS - Vulture Safe Zones - Implementation
VS16.
VS16
VS17.
VS17

Identify pVSZs in Cambodia
Develop VSZ concept with areas proposed or decide if thisapproach is not relevant for Cambodia at CVWG meeting(s)Implementation of pVSZs in Cambodia
Continue to implement VSZ programme.
TAC to support define VSZ criteria for Cambodia

CVWG
SAVE

2021

CVWG
SAVE(TAC)

2021

23

ZM - Vulture Safe Zones - Monitoring
ZM1
ZM1
ZM4
ZM4

ZM5
ZM5

Monitoring movements, survival and causes of death of wild vultures with GPS PTTs in
pVSZs and VSZs
Continue monitoring with tagging as option (with support
CVWG
2021
from TAC).
SAVE(TAC)
Monitoring of availability of NSAIDs for veterinary use in representative samples ofpharmacies and other outlets in pVSZs and VSZs.
Conduct undercover surveys of outlets for veterinary
CVWG
2021
drugs. Record NSAIDs offered for use for veterinary
purposes. Identify the provenance and vial size of
diclofenac and date of manufacture offered for veterinaryuse.
Monitoring of wild vulture populations and breeding success in pVSZs and VSZs in India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar & Cambodia.
Conduct surveys over representative areas of the zone,
CVWG
Annually
including nest counts and/or road transect surveys, as
appropriate.

RM - Research and Monitoring
RM4
RM4
RM6
RM6

Vulture population monitoring in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Myanmar.
Conduct annual census. Quarterly coordinated feeding counts
CVWG
Annually
continued.
Monitoring of causes of death and NSAID contamination of wild vultures in India,
Pakistan, Nepal, Cambodia & Bangladesh.
Create database to document circumstances of death ofvultures.
Collect as many dead wild and released vultures as possible.
Conduct post mortem examinations to determine causes ofdeath.
Take liver and kidney samples and determine concentrations of
all NSAIDs known to be in veterinary use and pesticides andother poisons.
Trial methods to detect NSAIDs and other poisons in bone andother hard tissues.
Retain carcasses frozen for future use.
Publish the results periodically.

CVWG

2021
Annually

CVWG

2021
Ongoing

CVWG

2021
Ongoing

CVWG

2021
Ongoing

CAM - Cambodia
CAM1

Monthly supplementary feeding in at least four sites

CAM1

Provide at least one dead cow per month at vulture restaurants.

CAM2
CAM2

Improve population monitoring
Census vulture restaurants in March, June, September andDecember.
Safeguard nesting areas from logging
Check all known nest locations, improve law enforcement at keysites.

CAM3
CAM3

24

CAM4
CAM4
CAM5
CAM5
CAM5
CAM6
CAM6

CAM7
CAM7
CAM8
CAM8

Protect vulture nests from human predation
Evaluate effectiveness of nest protection across sites. Continue
nest protection if found to be effective.
Monitor sales of veterinary drugs at key sites
Quarterly monitoring of veterinary drug sales at key sites.
Support government focal point on diclofenac ban
implementation.
Increase sustainability of CVWG
Integrate vulture conservation activities into other NGO
activities.
Develop sustainable financing where possible
Evaluate CVWG activities and effectiveness
Nationalize management of CVWG
Assess mortality due to non-NSAID threats
Training workshop on poison baits repeatedLearning from other SAVE partners and African countries
Identify locations of WRV breeding sites
Continued satellite tagging of RHV and WRVs to lead to breeding
areas

CVWG

2021

CVWG
CVWG

2021
2021

CVWG

2021

CVWG

2021

CVWG

2021

25

7) Myanmar
AD - Advocacy
Action
code
AD1
AD1

AD1

AD1
AD1
AD1
AD2

AD2
AD2

AD2

AD3/4

AD3/4
AD6

AD6

AD8
AD8

AD8

ActionLead
By (endPartner (s) date)
Achieve the removal from the market of vials of diclofenac supposedly intended forhuman medicine in excess of 3 ml capacity.
Diclofenac and other NSAIDs toxic drugs for vulture species
MVWG
2021
survey with the under-cover and open questionnaires in
Kachin State and Shan State.
Awareness raising on impact of diclofenac in government
MVWG
2022
authorities, veterinary sciences and villagers in Kachin Stateand Shan State.
Planning on substitution of alternative drugs with the
MVWG
2021
veterinary department.
Survey on mortality of vulture species due to the effect of
MVWG
2022
diclofenac.
Request and propose the restriction on large vials of
MVWG
2024
diclofenac to government with relevant evidences.
Achieve the banning of the veterinary use of ketoprofen, aceclofenac, nimesulide,
carprofen, and lunixin in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia &Myanmar - First step to stop Government purchase or supply of all 5 NSAIDS
Monitor availability and use of target NSAIDs in Kachin State MVWG
2021
and Shan State.
Request and propose the large vials on target NSAIDs from
MVWG
2022
the market and seek a ban / prior to entry the market in
specific areas (Vulture conservation area).
Invite the Livestock and Breeding Department for
MVWG
2022
involvement in diclofenac and other NSAID toxic drugs forvulture species meeting.
Establish system and procedures by which veterinary drugs with unknown effects on
vultures have their approval for veterinary use withheld or withdrawn until scientifictesting on Gyps vultures establishes their safety at maximum likely exposure levels.
Explore the possibility of a moratorium on new (veterinary)
MVWG
2022
NSAIDsContribute, with government agencies and pharmaceutical companies, to maintaining
pharmacovigilance and regulation of veterinary drugs, to prevent their negative effects
on wild vultures.
Initiate discussions with Regional Steering Committee,
MVWG
2022
national committees, governments and pharmaceuticalindustry. Establish procedures.
Improve the availability of more effective vulture-safe drugs and formulations thereby
facilitating take up by veterinary practitioners
Contact and sensitisation of pharma industry (approach
major companies for support). Sensitise drug regulation
authorities to take appropriate steps to favour production ofwell formulated veterinary meloxicam.
Publicise results of main report on tolfenamic acid (available
on MoEFCC website/SAVE dossier)

MVWG

2022

MVWG

2021

26

AD8
AD9
AD9

Check on Tolfenamic acid formulations - that they are being
MVWG
2021
used and accepted by vet community all countries
Develop wider awareness-raising initiatives to highlight NSAIDs concerns and provide
incentives acknowledgement of those taking positive steps.
Consider initiatives generating awareness with pharmacies,
MVWG
2021
drug distributors, vets, farmers

VS - Vulture Safe Zones - Implementation
VS18
VS18

Identify pVSZs in Myanmar
Collect information and select sites for pVSZs.

VS19
VS19

Maintenance & review of VSZs in Myanmar
Meeting / workshop on information of VSZ designation withthe relevant government and representative of ethnic leader.
Continue VSZ implementation and expansion.

VS19
VS19

Proposal submitted to government for formal nomination of
VSZ

MVWG

2021

MVWG

2023

MVWG

2023

MVWG

2023

ZM - Vulture Safe Zones - Monitoring
ZM1
ZM1

ZM1
ZM4
ZM4

ZM4

ZM5
ZM5

Monitoring movements, survival and causes of death of wild vultures with GPS PTTs in
pVSZs and VSZs
Meeting / workshop on Vulture Safe zonation and zone
MVWG
2023
management with the relevant government and representativeof ethnic leader.
Initiate monitoring with tagging as option in longer-term future
MVWG
2023
Monitoring of availability of NSAIDs for veterinary use in representative samples ofpharmacies and other outlets in pVSZs and VSZs.
Conduct undercover surveys of outlets for veterinary drugs.
Record NSAIDs offered for use for veterinary purposes. Identify
the provenance and vial size of diclofenac and date of
manufacture offered for veterinary use.
Awareness raising on conservation status of vulture species andimpact of diclofenac and other toxic drugs for vulture species in
Kachin State.

MVWG

2022

MVWG

2022

Monitoring of wild vulture populations and breeding success in pVSZs and VSZs in India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar & Cambodia.
Conduct surveys over representative areas of the zone, including MVWG
2022
nest counts and/or road transect surveys, as appropriate.

RM - Research and Monitoring
RM4
RM4
RM4

Vulture population monitoring in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Myanmar.
Establish methodology and ensure baseline surveys carried
MVWG
Done
out.
Comprehensive survey with more survey groups in the
MVWG
2022
2
20km distance one point to another point in Kachin and Shan
State.

27

RM4

Bird ringing and interview survey on vulture sightings at thepotential area and other regions (Chin (Naga range), northern
Sagaing, Ayeyawaddy (Kachin – kathar), Chin dwin area).

MVWG

2023

MYA - Myanmar
MYA1
MYA1

Nesting site protection and law enforcement
Nest site identification and protection.

MYA2
MYA2

Public awareness raising
Work with communities, develop media locally andnationally2020 IVAD with Yangon Zoo
Restaurant site for environmental tourism
Start a restaurant

MYA2
MYA3
MYA3
MYA4
MYA4
MYA5
MYA5
MYA6
MYA6

Threat assessment
Questionnaires (mainly pharmacy focused), focus group
discussion at two sites.
Update Myanmar vulture species action plan
Plan to be updated and aligned with SAVE blueprint and
Vulture MSAP Done
Regular meetings of MVWG
2 meetings per year

MVWG

2022

MVWG

2021

MVWG

2022

MVWG

2022

MVWG

2021

MVWG

Done

MVWG

Ongoing28