Roles of Ghachowk Valture Restaurant and Sanitary Landfill Site for Vultures Conservation in Kaski District, Nepal

Abstract

This study was focused on the roles of Vulture Restaurant and Sanitary Landfill Site for vulture conservation. This study was also focused on the present status of vultures, roosting preference, people’s perception and present threats to the vultures. The study was based on the direct observation method using birding routed and visiting roosting and nesting sites. Questionnaire survey was done to identify people’s perception towards vultures. The study was mainly concentrated in and around the Ghachowk Vulture Restaurant (GVR) and Sanitary Landfill Site (SLS) in Kaski District. Altogether 202 individuals of six species of vultures were recorded in GVR. The most abundant (n=104) was Himalayan Vulture and the least was Egyptian Vulture (n=2). Other species of vultures, White-rumped Vulture (n=67), Red-headed Vulture (n=11), Slender-billed Vulture (n=10), and Cinereous Vulture (8) were also observed. Likewise, a total of 204 individuals of five species of vultures were recorded in SLS. The most abundant (n=164) was EV and the least was RHV (n=6). Other species of vultures, WRV (n=16), SBV (n=10), and CV (n=8) were also observed. One nest of SBV was recorded nearer to the SLS. Large number of Juvenile population of WRV was seen in GVR. Likewise, different age class of Egyptian Vulture was seen frequently in SLS. The more preferred tree species for roosting and nesting were Bombax ceiba and Alnus nepalensis. Five related questions were taken and combined these questions to form a single attitude scale. Overall 84% and 80% showed positive attitude towards vulture in GVR and in SLF respectively. This study showed that age and ethnicity in GVR, and Occupation in SLS were the determinant factors for the people’s attitude towards vultures. Respondents from GVR said that electrocution and disease were the major threats to the vultures and respondents from SLF said that electrocution and poisoning were the major threats to the vultures. Therefore, for the successful vulture conservation programme it should include creation of a long term survival environment for vultures with involvement of the people in all of its range areas along with its ecological aspects.