(a) whether Vultures and Siberian Cranes are facing extinction on account of use of pesticides in India;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the action taken for proper conservation and protection of the endangered species?
(a) whether Vultures and Siberian Cranes are facing extinction on account of use of pesticides in India;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the action taken for proper conservation and protection of the endangered species?
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a)&(b) Siberian Cranes are migratory cranes visiting India from Siberia in Russia which is the breeding ground of the species. It comes for wintering in India in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur. The main reason for the decline in the number of this species is hunting of the species en-route from Siberia to India and vice - versa. Its decline is no way related to use of pesticides.
There has been a sharp decline in the population of different species of vultures in the country. The exact reason of decline has yet not been identified. Adverse impact of pesticides/insecticides on the population of this species can not be ruled out. Other probable reasons for the decline of population of vultures could be impact of some viral disease and reduction in availability of nesting sites.
(c) As regards Siberian cranes populations, an Indo Russian Protocol has been signed with Russian counterparts emphasizing sustainable wetland management, studies on migratory pattern of these species and conservation of nesting sites. Steps taken for conservation of vultures involves detailed survey about the current status of the species throughout the country, studies on identification of causal agent of the disease, ecological and environmental studies on vultures and captive breeding.