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Moyar Valley has the largest breeding colony of critically endangered Gyps vultures in the wild. Where is Moyar Valley?

UPSC Current Affairs: Moyar Valley has the largest breeding colony of critically endangered Gyps vultures in the wild.

Summary:

- Safe Haven: The Moyar Valley in India provides a sanctuary for Gyps vultures, which were nearly extinct due to the use of toxic veterinary drug Diclofenac.

- Natural Food Sources: Abundant natural food sources, such as carcasses of wild animals that died naturally, sustain the vultures in the valley.

- Positive Development: Recent surveys show an increase in vulture numbers, indicating successful conservation efforts.

- Collaborative Conservation: Banning Diclofenac and protecting nesting sites have contributed to the vultures’ recovery.

- Vital Nesting Ground: The unique combination of factors in the Moyar Valley makes it crucial for the long-term survival of these majestic birds.

What is the news?

- Recent surveys in India’s Moyar Valley have brought a wave of relief to conservationists. These surveys revealed an increase in the number of critically endangered Gyps vultures, a species pushed to the brink of extinction just a few decades ago.

A Population Devastated:

- In the 1990s, the widespread use of Diclofenac, a veterinary drug toxic to vultures, caused a catastrophic decline in their populations. This devastating event highlighted the vital ecological role these scavengers play, and the importance of protecting them.

A Refuge Emerges:

- Thankfully, the Moyar Valley, nestled within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, became a haven for Gyps vultures. This valley offered a safe haven with abundant natural food sources – carcasses of wild animals that died naturally. The Moyar Valley is now recognized as the largest nesting colony of Gyps vultures in the wild.

Positive Signs:

- The recent surveys conducted in December 2023 documented a rise in vulture numbers compared to the previous survey in February 2023. This increase was observed across several species, including the White-rumped vulture, Long-billed vulture, and Red-headed vulture.

A Testament to Conservation:

- This positive development is a testament to the success of collaborative conservation efforts. The ban on Diclofenac, promoting safe carcass disposal methods, and protecting nesting sites have all played a crucial role in creating a safe environment for these vultures. Additionally, educating local communities about the importance of vultures and fostering a sense of stewardship towards them has been instrumental.

How Moyar valley supports Gyps population?

The Moyar Valley plays a critical role in supporting the Gyps vulture population in several ways:

- Safe Food Source: Unlike many other areas, the Moyar Valley offers an abundance of natural, vulture-safe food. This includes carcasses of wild animals that have died from natural causes and are free from harmful chemicals like Diclofenac, the drug that caused the vulture population crash in the 1990s.
- Minimal Human Interference: The Moyar Valley’s location within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve provides a relatively undisturbed environment. This minimizes human activity and potential threats to vulture nesting sites and food sources.
- Suitable Nesting Sites: The valley’s geography offers ideal nesting locations for Gyps vultures. These include tall cliffs and rocky outcrops that provide seclusion and safety from predators.
- Local Community Support: Educating and involving local communities in vulture conservation efforts is crucial. In the Moyar Valley, fostering a sense of stewardship towards vultures can help ensure minimal disturbance and potentially even encourage reporting of safe food sources (carcasses).
- In essence, the Moyar Valley provides a combination of factors: abundant safe food, minimal human disturbance, suitable nesting sites, and potential support from local communities. This unique combination makes it a vital sanctuary for the critically endangered Gyps vulture population.

Challenges Remain:

- While the increase in vulture numbers is encouraging, the road to recovery is still long. The vulture population remains fragile, and continued monitoring is essential to ensure their long-term survival. Protecting their habitat from human encroachment and ensuring a steady supply of safe food sources are critical priorities. Research into vulture breeding ecology and disease management is also necessary to address potential threats.

A Model for the Future:

- The Moyar Valley’s story serves as a powerful model for future conservation efforts. It highlights the importance of identifying and protecting critical ecosystems that serve as vital nesting grounds for endangered species. By scaling up conservation efforts, safeguarding habitats like the Moyar Valley, and fostering community involvement, we can create a future where these majestic birds soar through our skies once again.

From Decline to Resilience:

- The rise in vulture numbers in the Moyar Valley signifies a potential reversal of the devastating decline these birds experienced. By continuing on this path of collaborative conservation, we can rewrite the narrative for the Gyps vulture, transforming a story of loss into one of hope and resilience.

About Moyar Valley:

- The Moyar Valley is a lush green valley located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It is nestled within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, a protected area that spans over 320 square kilometers. The valley extends from Gudalur town and winds its way through the core area of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve .
- The Moyar Valley is geographically significant because it lies at the meeting point of three states: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. This tri-junction location creates a unique biodiversity hotspot where the Eastern and Western Ghats mountain ranges converge. The valley itself is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, perennial streams, and rocky outcrops. These varied habitats provide shelter and sustenance for a wide range of flora and fauna, including the critically endangered Gyps vultures.
- It is the only region in peninsular India where you have the biggest nesting colony of Gyps vultures in the wild.

About Gyps Vultures:

- Gyps vultures are a genus of Old World vultures, known for their large size and scavenging habits. These majestic birds play a vital role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases.

There are eight extant species in the Gyps genus, including the following:

- Himalayan Griffon vulture (Gyps himalayensis)
- White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
- Eurasian Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus)
- Cape Griffon vulture (Gyps coprotheres)
- Slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)
- Indian vulture (Gyps indicus)
- Rüppell’s vulture (Gyps rueppellii)
- African White-backed vulture (Gyps africanus)

IUCN Status:

- Unfortunately, all Gyps vulture species except the Himalayan Griffon vulture (Gyps himalayensis) are classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This means they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
- The Himalayan Griffon vulture is listed as Near Threatened, indicating it’s close to qualifying for a threatened category.
- The dramatic population decline caused by Diclofenac is the primary reason for their critical status. Conservation efforts offer a glimmer of hope, but continued monitoring and habitat protection are crucial for their long-term survival.

QuizTime:

Mains Questions:

Question 1:

Critically analyse the reasons behind the decline of Gyps vulture populations in India and discuss the significance of the Moyar Valley as a potential sanctuary for their revival. (250 words)

Model Answer:

Reasons for Decline:

- Diclofenac Poisoning: The primary culprit behind the decline of Gyps vultures in India was the widespread use of Diclofenac, a veterinary drug that proved fatal to vultures when consumed in carcasses treated with it.
- Habitat Loss and Disturbance: Encroachment on vulture nesting sites and human activities near nesting areas can disturb breeding and raise predation risks.
- Shortage of Safe Food Sources: Availability of carcasses free from Diclofenac and other harmful chemicals is crucial for vulture survival.

Significance of Moyar Valley:

- Safe Food Source: The Moyar Valley, located within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, offers an abundance of natural carcasses from wild animals not treated with Diclofenac.
- Minimal Human Disturbance: The protected area status minimizes human activity and potential threats to vulture nesting sites.
- Suitable Nesting Sites: The valley’s geography provides ideal nesting locations for Gyps vultures, including cliffs and rocky outcrops.
- Potential for Community Support: Educating local communities and fostering a sense of stewardship towards vultures can further support conservation efforts.

The Moyar Valley’s unique combination of factors makes it a vital sanctuary for Gyps vulture revival.

Question 2:

Discuss the importance of conservation efforts in reversing the decline of endangered species. Use the example of Gyps vulture conservation efforts in India to illustrate your answer. (250 words)

Model Answer:

Conservation efforts play a crucial role in reversing the decline of endangered species. These efforts address various threats and create a more supportive environment for species recovery.

Importance of Conservation Efforts:

- Habitat Protection: Protecting critical habitats from encroachment and disturbance ensures the long-term sustainability of a species’ population.
- Species Management: Measures like captive breeding programs and reintroduction efforts can help boost populations and re-establish lost species in suitable areas.
- Addressing Threats: Identifying and mitigating specific threats, such as Diclofenac use in the case of Gyps vultures, is vital for reversing population decline.
- Community Involvement: Educating and engaging local communities fosters a sense of stewardship towards endangered species and encourages participation in conservation efforts.

Gyps Vulture Conservation in India:

- The success story of Gyps vulture conservation in India highlights the effectiveness of combined efforts. The ban on Diclofenac, promoting safe carcass disposal methods, and protecting nesting sites have all contributed to the rise in vulture numbers observed in the Moyar Valley.
- By continuing and scaling up these efforts, we can create a future where Gyps vultures and other endangered species can thrive once again.

Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective. Read entire UPSC Current Affairs.

Relevance to the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus under the following topics:

Prelims:

- General Science (GS) Paper I – Environment and Ecology:
  Biodiversity, threats to biodiversity and conservation efforts. (This is a broad theme where you can mention the decline of Gyps vultures as an example of a biodiversity threat and ongoing conservation efforts)

Mains:

- GS Paper I – Indian Heritage and Culture:
  History of wildlife in India (You can briefly mention the vulture population decline as a recent development impacting wildlife)
- GS Paper III – Indian Economy:
  Conservation efforts and environmental management (Gyps vulture conservation can be an example here)
- GS Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude:
  Environmental ethics – Issues and challenges (The case of Gyps vultures highlights the ethical responsibility to protect endangered species)