New Delhi: Vultures, eagles, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey in Tamil Nadu will now get the special attention of the state government, as TN becomes the first state in India to launch a publicly funded conservation initiative specifically for raptors.
On Tuesday, the government held the first meeting of the Chennai-based Tamil Nadu Raptor Research Foundation (TNRRF), a unique organisation dedicated to the research and conservation of the 70-plus raptor bird species in the state.
“Raptors are tigers and leopards in the kingdom of birds as apex predators and vital indicators of ecosystem health,” said Tamil Nadu Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Supriya Sahu, in an X post. “Sadly, many [despite that] are endangered. It is time to bring back these majestic birds to their full glory.”
On Tuesday, the Tamil Nadu Raptor Research Foundation stakeholders and board members, along with ecologists and experts across the country, met in Chennai for the inaugural meeting of the foundation. Housed in the Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), the TNRRF, headed by AIWC Director A. Udhayan, will have other members on its board, including chief conservators of forests in all circles in Tamil Nadu.
“Our work is going to consist of research into these endangered species—primarily in Tamil Nadu, but obviously, it will extend beyond it, too,” Udhayan, also the TN principal chief conservator of forests, told ThePrint. “This is the first time a government has established a raptor research foundation; the other ones in India are all NGOs.”
On 14 March, earlier this year, Tamil Nadu Minister for Finance, as well as Environment & Climate Change, Thangam Thennarasu, first announced during the state budget speech that Tamil Nadu would invest in setting up a foundation for “raptor research”. For the project, the TN government has dedicated Rs one crore from its Endangered Species Conservation Fund.
“The centre aims to serve as a hub for research, conservation, rehabilitation, and public education on birds of prey, which include eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, and owls,” read the proposal by the TN government, a copy of which is with ThePrint. “This initiative will enhance avian conservation efforts, both regionally and nationally.”
Also Read: Apple snails can regrow their eyes & lithium plays a critical role in our bodies, not just in EVs
Why conservation of raptors is needed
Raptors make up an entire category of birds, commonly known as ‘birds of prey’ because of their predatory behaviour. Significant for ecology and environmental health, the birds have, globally, been declining in number.
According to the State of India’s Birds 2023 report, raptors in India are also dying due to habitat loss, as well as pesticides and pharmaceuticals, among other toxic substances, in the environment.
Specific birds—for instance, vultures—have declined by more than 95% since the 1990s in India, mainly due to the use of the diclofenac drug in medicines for cattle.
At TNRRF, the state government plans to study the factors that impact raptor conservation in regions, including the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, and Pallikaranai. The TNRRF, along with the Wildlife Institute of India, the Nature Conservation Foundation, and the Bombay Natural History Society, among other institutions dedicated to raptor studies, plans to develop policies for raptor conservation in the state.
The role of TNRRF would also include promoting research in raptor ecology and biology, as well as spreading public awareness about the significance of this species of birds.
“Initially, our priority, after this inaugural meeting, will be to set up a state-wide assessment of the numbers and location of raptors,” said Udhayan, adding that the exercise is pending. “It will help us identify priority species for conservation efforts.”
(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)
Also Read: Chiuluan 2: Celebrity Amur Falcon geo-tagged in Manipur returns to Russia after 17,000-km journey