BASELINE STUDY REPORT National Vulture Conservation Strategy Project

Nadeem Mirbahar Dr. Fehmida Firdous Dr. Syed Ali Ghalib

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List of Contents

S. No. Contents Page 1 Acknowledgements 4 2 Executive Summary 5 3 List of Acronyms 6 4 List of Maps 7

5 List of Tables 7

6 List of Figures 8 7 List of Photographs 8 8 Introduction 10 9 Study Area 10 10 Objectives 11 11 Materials and Methods 11 12 Desk review of secondary available literature on Vultures 12 in Pakistan and analysis of national efforts on their conservation 13 Results and Discussions 13 14 Analysis of the Field Data 16 15 Conclusion 27 16 Priority Actions and Recommendations 29

17 References 30

18 Annexure 1: Questionnaire for Baseline Survey 33 2: Maps 35 3: Tables 40 4: Figures 55 5: Photographs 58

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Acknowledgements

Sincere thanks are due to Dr. Mohammad Khan Mari, Manager Programs, Baanhn Beli, Nagarparkar for providing useful information and necessary facilities to the survey team at Nagarparkar. His cooperation and guidance is deeply acknowledged.

Very sincere thanks are extended to the Mr. Saeed Akhtar Baloch, Conservator Wildlife, Sindh Wildlife Department, Government of Sindh for making necessary arrangements at Mithi through Wildlife staff under the guidance of Mr. Lajpat Sharma Assistant, Conservator Wildlife, District Tharparkar. Field Officer, Mr. Raja Sharma deserves special thanks for providing necessary information and appropriate support to the survey team during field visit.

Mr. Moti Ram, President, Parkar Foundation provided very useful information about vultures of the area and activities of his organization. He facilitated visit of team of experts to Malji Jo Wandhio for observation of White-Backed Vultures on site.

Thanks are also due to Dr. Nasrullah Panhwar, National Field Officer Sindh, Animal Husbandry Government Veterinary Hospital, Landhi, Karachi, M/s Sanbho Mal and Faique Ali of Livestock Department, Government of Sindh, for sharing professional knowledge and experience regarding treatment of diseases in livestock and other animals.

The authors also acknowledge with thanks, the information provided by Dr. Aamir Ismail Rizvi, Director and Mrs. Abeda Raees, Biologist, Karachi Zoological Garden about the diseases and treatment of animals in captivity.

As a focal person of this study Mr. Nadeem Mirbahar, Natural Resource Management/ Vulture Project Coordinator IUCN, provided overall guidance in shaping this study. At ifferent stages, including conceptualization, developing formats, data sheets, training material, data compilation, write-up and technical review play a vital role and also lead the team in field.

Very useful discussions and meetings were held with Syed Ghulam Qadir Shah, Mangrove For Future, National Coordinator regarding the activities of the project. We deeply appreciate his insight and caliber on the subject.

The authors are indebted to Prof. Dr. Syed Ansar A. Rizvi, and Prof. Dr. Mohammad Zaheer Khan, Department of Zoology, University of Karachi for their critical review of the document and useful suggestions.

Mr.Touqir Ahmed, Intern, IUCN helped in typing and preparation of graphs & charts. Certainly, he proved himself as an asset for the study. Mr.Shahid Hussain, Program Assistant, IUCN Pakistan is also deeply acknowledged for his technical support in preparing and designing GIS maps for the study.

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Executive Summary

Vultures are valued for their ecological, social and cultural significance. They scavenge on animal carcasses/carrion, thereby helping keep the earth, water resources and environment clean. Vultures provide prime ecosystem services as top cleaners in cities, villages, and countryside. It was noticed back in the nineties that vultures were disappearing from the landscapes, skies and rotting carrions were not being attended to by these scavengers.

The project “Preparation of National Vulture Conservation Strategy” being implemented jointly by Baanhn Beli (a friend forever) and IUCN-Pakistan with support from the Ministry of Climate Change and Sindh Wildlife Department focuses on developing a National Vulture Conservation Strategy, based on a Baseline Study which was conducted as part of the project. The Project also focused on raising awareness and capacity of local communities and other stakeholders in vulture conservation. The project is being supported by the USAID Small Grants and Ambassador’s Fund Program.

Out of eight species of Vultures found in Pakistan, six species have been recorded from the District Tharparkar. Out of these, Long-billed Vulture, White-backed Vulture and Egyptian Vulture are the key species of the area. Karoonjhar Hills area is the only stronghold of Long-billed Vultures in Pakistan. Field visits were made in the study area i.e. Nagarparkar and Mithi areas of Tharparkar in December 2015 and January 2016 to collect information for the baseline survey report.

Surveys were conducted in Nagarparkar area and one hundred ten survey data forms were filled in. Information collected through perceptions obtained from the local communities during the study includes the numbers of domestic animals in the Project Area, their diseases, treatment methods and medicines used for their treatment. Furthermore, mortalities of animals, disposal methods for dead animals, locations where vultures have been sighted by the local communities, threats to vultures and the level of awareness about importance of vultures in local communities, number of dead vultures, awareness about the use of Meloxicam as an alternate medicine to Diclofenac, prevalent diseases in humans and on the organisations working on vulture conservation in the area.

Results have been compiled and priority conservation actions have been suggested for protection of vulture population in Sindh.

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List of Acronyms

AVPP = Asian Vulture Population Project BB = Baanhn Beli CE = Critically Endangered CN = Cinereous Vulture CPP = Contagious Pleuro-Pneumonia DRAP = Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan EG = Egyptian Vulture EGR = Eurasian Griffon Vulture GPS = Global Positioning System IBA = Important Bird Area IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature LB = Long-billed Vulture LC = Least Concern NT = Near Threatened NGOs = Non-governmental Organizations NSAID = Non Steroid Anti Inflammatory Drug NRM = Natural Resource Management RH = Red-headed Vulture SAVE = Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction T.B = Tuberculosis US = United States of America WB = White-backed Vulture WWF = World Wide Fund for Nature

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List of Maps S. No. Maps Page No.

1. Map of survey area showing interviewee’s locations in 35 Nagarparkar.

2. Vulture sightings map. 36

3. Map showing Biodiversity of the Study Area 37

4. Map used in the Field for Surveys 38

5. Map of Vulture Safe Zone 39

List of Tables S. No Tables Page No.

1. Livestock in the Project Area 40

2. Livestock Diseases 41

3. Livestock treatment methods 43

4. Mortality in livestock during the last 5 years 44

5. Disposal of dead livestock 47

6. Vulture locations & sightings by communities during the 48 last 10 years 7. Village wise observations on vultures made the last 10 49 years 8. Community observations on vulture species and their 50 present status 9. Threats to vultures 51

10. Awareness about importance of vultures 52

11. Number of Dead Vultures reported over the last 10 years 53

12. Awareness on Meloxicam as an alternative to Diclofenac 53

13. Diseases reported in humans 54

14. Organisations Working on Vulture Conservation 54

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List of Figures

S. No. Figures Page No.

1 55 Livestock in the Project Area

2 55 a) Frequency of diseases in livestock 56 b) Village wise disease cases reported in livestock 7 56 Awareness about importance of vulture

8 57 Dead vultures reported during the last 10 years

9 57 Diseases mostly reported in humans

List of Photographs

S. Photographs Page No. No. 58 1 A view of training session – at Baanhn Beli Office, Nagarparkar 58 Dr. Syed Ali Ghalib, Bird Specialist, training enumerators on survey 2 techniques 59 Dr. Fehmida Firdous, Biodiversity Specialist, training on data recording 3 methods 59 Mr. Nadeem Mirbhar, NRM/Project Coordinator, IUCN Pakistan - briefing 4 enumerators on field data collection methods 60 5 Enumerators and project staff during a training session 60 6 Enumerators filling data sheets in field under experts supervision 62 Colony of White-backed vultures with nesting observed on Prosopis cineraria 7 (Kandi) tree in Malji Jo Vandyo 62 8 Colony of Egyptian Vultures near Mithi Bypass feeding on dead poultry

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62 9 Egyptian Vultures feeding on goat carcass near Mithi 63 10 Migratory birds at Ghartyari Dam, Nagar 63 11 Survey team along with enumerators at Ghartyari Dam, Nagar 64 12 A view of Karoonjhar hills - a nesting habitat of Long-billed vultures 64 13 Spotted owlet in the Project Area. 65 14 Rose ringed-parakeet in the Project Area. 65 15 Interaction of local community with Survey team at Malji Jo Wandhio 66 A large colony of Indian Peafowls observed near Shardro Mandar in 16 Karoonjhar Hills 66 17 Colony of Indian Peafowls observed at Rama Pir Mandar- Kasbo Village 67 18 Colony of Indian Peafowls observed at Shiv Mandar- Kasbo Village 67 19 A typical village view of Nagarparkar 68 20 A typical view of village life at Nagarparkar 68 21 A herd-man with his cow herd at Nagarparkar

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Baseline Study of Vulture Safe Zone Area Nagarparkar, Tharparkar

1. Introduction

A total of nine vulture species are found in South Asia of which five Gyps Vulture species are found only in Asia. These are Oriental White-backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus), Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris), Himalayan Griffon Vulture (Gyps himalayensis) and Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). Among these Oriental white-backed, Long-billed and Slender- billed Vultures are listed as Critically Endangered species (Birdlife International, 2011).

Eight species of vultures have been recorded from Pakistan and their status is given below. Out of them, six species of vultures occur in Tharparkar area which is marked by asterisks in the table below.

S. Common Name Scientific Name Status Conservation Status No 1 White-rumped or White-backed Gyps bengalensis Resident Critically Endangered Vulture * (CE) 2 Long-billed or Indian Vulture* Gyps indicus Resident Critically Endangered (CE) 3 Red-headed Vulture* Sarcogyps calvus Vagrant Critically Endangered (CE) 4 Egyptian Vulture* Neophron percnopterus Resident Endangered 5 Cinereous Vulture* Aegypius monachus Resident Near Threatened (NT) 6 Eurasian Griffon* Gyps fulvus Resident Least Concern (LC)

7 Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis Resident Near Threatened (NT) 8 Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus Resident Near Threatened (NT)

2. Study Area A total of 33 wildlife sanctuaries are present in Sindh province of Pakistan. Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary is considered as one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries, due to its ecological characteristics, providing suitable habitats for unique wildlife species. It is a Ramsar Site, an Important Bird Area (IBA) and also a part of Global 200 Eco-regions. It stretches over an area of 320, 463 ha, declared as wildlife sanctuary in 1980. Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary is located in south eastern Sindh and comprises of Mithi, Nagarparkar, Islam Kot, Diplo Talukas of district Tharparkar and it also includes Badin and Tando Bago Talukas of district Badin. (Ghalib et al. 2013)

Thar or Tharparkar, including Nara, is the Sindh part of the Great Indian Desert. The climate of Thar is arid in the north and semi-arid in the south. Rainfall varies from north to south. Poor rains are encountered about every three to four years and a complete drought occurs once in every eight to ten years. On average, range carrying capacity increases immediately after the rains but reduces 7 to 10 ha per five sheep during the periods of low rainfall (Ishaque, 1993). The Project Area is mostly consisting of sand dunes, inter-dunal valleys with flat area in between. The south-eastern part of Tharparkar is Nagarparkar, which consists of hilly area (Karoonjhar Hills), whereas Page 10 of 69 southern most part is saline with marshes, coastal brackish lagoons and tidal mudflats. There are also a number of wetlands scattered in the area fed by rain water. Some cultivated areas are also found near the towns and villages. The actual study area falls into Taluka Nagarparkar, the only stronghold of White-backed and Indian Long-billed vultures in Pakistan (Map 2).

3. Objectives

The current study consists of the following main objectives.

 To know the perception of the people in survey area about the past trends of vulture population including declines / mortalities.  Awareness of people about vultures and their linkages to the environment of the area, causes of decline in vulture population, the species of vulture and their preferred habitats in the area.

4. Materials and Methods

Surveys were undertaken by the IUCN team in Nagarparkar area from December, 2015 to January, 2016. More than fourteen important sites in Vulture Safe Zone (Map 5) were visited in Nagarparkar and Mithi Area.

Training sessions on data collection methods, recording information, filling up questioners, conducting interviews, importance of biodiversity particularly on vultures and their identification were conducted with the enumerators, local community members and field staff of Baanhn Beli at Nagarparkar. The sessions included class room trainings and field visits.

Several field visits by the IUCN expert team and enumerators were made in the study area and data was collected to record perceptions of local communities about vultures, their importance and services, rendered causes of mortality in vultures, threats, their occurrence & distribution, infections and diseases in humans as well as in livestock, in the area. The following 15 Villages were identified under the Vulture Project (Map 4).

Malji Jo Wandio, Oan Jo Wandio, Sukhpur, Mau, Mondro, Kheepora and Padhararre, Gatro, Lakar Khadio, Parbati Jo Wandio, Kharoro, Rarkuo, Gharteyari, Soorachand, Chitrasar and Kasbo. Shardharo Mandar in Karoonjhar Hills and other areas near Meera Sangi, Saat Laki and Oondharya mountains were visited to make observations on the vultures (Map 2).

During the field visits secondary information was also collected from representatives of Sindh Forest and Wildlife Department, Baanhn Beli and local communities. The published information about the vultures was also taken into account and reviewed.

Moreover, a questionnaire (Annexure-1) and training material for conducting a Baseline Survey was prepared and five local community enumerators identified by Baanhn Beli were trained for three days on collecting the surveys from the field. M/S Lalji Motiram, Purkho Bajeer, Gangri, Visomal, Shankar Lal and Vishan Das, collected

Page 11 of 69 data through conducting interviews of locals belonging to 11 villages in Nagarparkar area from December 2015 to January 2016 and 110 survey forms were filled and information provided by communities was recorded by the data collectors. (Map 1)

IUCN Pakistan provided survey equipments/tools such as binoculars, GPS device, camera and materials which were used for recording survey information and making observations on identifications and distinction of vulture species and other wildlife in the project area. GPS was used for recording geographical information and locations with coordinates of different sites visited during the survey. Digital camera was used for taking photographic evidence of different species and their habitats particularly in areas where vultures were located.

5. Review of Secondary Available Literature on Vultures of Pakistan and Analysis of National Efforts on their Conservation

The knowledge about vulture population in Pakistan is mostly related to Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan Provinces (Roberts, 1991; Khan et al., 2001; Ahmed and Khan, 2005; Oaks et al., 2001a-2001b, , 2004a & 2004b; Gilbert et al., 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007a & 2007b; Birdlife International 2007, 2011; Murn et al., 2008; Chaudhry et al., 2012;)., while some substantial published information was available from core vulture habitats in Sindh (Gilbert et al., 2004; Birdlife International 2007; Chaudhry et al., 2004, 2009; Ghalib et al., 2008 and 2013; WWF-Pakistan 2006, 2010, 2012-13).

Vulture populations were reported to remain stable through the mid-1990s but rapid declines were first recorded in late 2000 (Gilbert et al., 2002; Khan et al., 2001). Gyps Vulture Restoration Project was launched in Changa Manga Forest by WWF-Pakistan in 2005 in collaboration with Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi and WWF-US. The primary cause of vulture decline was Diclofenac despite of its ban in Pakistan (Murn et al., 2008). Oaks et al., 2004a and 2004b, Ahmed and Khan 2005 reported that Declofanic has been widely used in Pakistan. Gyps bengalensis has declined throughout Pakistan due to livestock drug, Diclofenac, a non steroid anti-inflammatory drug (Oaks et al., 2004a). The number of Long-billed Vultures has declined by about two thirds in Sindh during 2002 - 2006 (AVPP, 2007). Noticing decline in vulture populations in sub-continent, actions were taken in Pakistan on the largest known breeding colony of Long-billed Vultures which was studied in Sindh province (Chaudhry et al., 2012).

A draft report by Iqbal et al., (2010-11) on Vulture Population and Status Survey in Pakistan reveals that there are two critically endangered species of vultures, Gyps bengalensis occurs in both the provinces of Sindh and Punjab, whereas, Gyps indicus is only found in Nagarparkar in Sindh. WWF-Pakistan launched “Vulture Safe Zone Project” in 2012 and marked an area of about 100 Km in radius in Nagarparkar and marked the boundaries of potential Vulture Safe Zone for vultures of Tharparkar.

Pain et al., (2008) reported that Gyps Vulture population across Indian subcontinent collapsed in the 1990s and continues to decline. Repeated surveys showed that the rate of decline was so rapid that elevated mortality of adult birds must be a key demographic mechanism. Post mortem examination showed that the majority of dead

Page 12 of 69 vultures had visceral gout, due to kidney damage. Surveys of Diclofenac contamination of domestic ungulate carcasses, combined with vulture population, showed that the level of contamination is sufficient for it to be the sole cause of the decline. The safety testing of alternate livestock use NSAID, Meloxicam on vultures showed encouraging results.

The livestock use of Diclofenac has been banned by Government of Pakistan in 2006 but the drug is being still used in livestock which poses pertains a serious threat to remaining vulture population in Pakistan.

During 2012 and 2013 population assessment surveys were carried out by WWF- Pakistan showing an increase in active nest counts of White-backed vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus) (Murn et al. 2014,).

Baanhn Beli and Parkar Foundation, the Community Organizations based at Nagarparkar along with Sindh Wildlife Department have taken up the responsibility of protecting the biodiversity in the area including vultures.

In Sindh, a total of 359 Egyptian Vultures, 98 Griffon Vultures, 39 White-backed Vultures, 3 Red-headed Vultures, 3 Cinereous Vultures and 55 Long-billed Vultures were observed during four months i.e. from December 31, 2010 to April 17, 2011 (Iqbal et al., draft report 2010-11).

Dialogue has been initiated with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), Government of Pakistan (Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination) to find out number of pharmaceutical companies manufacturing Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac in Pakistan (SAVE Report 2015).

Gyps Vulture population assessment survey of 2014 in Sindh recommended the extension of current Vulture Safe Zone (Map 5) from Nagarparkar to Umar Kot District (SAVE Report, 2014).

At the regional level a consortium of eleven government, non-governmental organizations specially working on vulture conservation was established in 2011 in order to prevent the extinction of fast declining populations of Gyps Vulture species in South Asia which is being coordinated by SAVE, Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction (SAVE Report 2015).

6. Results and Discussion

Egyptian Vultures was fairly common in Mithi and Islamkot area while Long-billed and White-backed Vultures were less common.

White-backed vultures and Long-billed vultures were fairly common in Nagarparkar, particularly in Karoonjhar hills and in surrounding areas.

Red-headed vultures, Eurasian Griffon vultures and Black Vultures were scarcely found in the project area. (Map 2).

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A few carcasses of cow, goat, dog and asses were found at some places on the road sides and villages from Mithi to Nagarparkar and vultures were observed feeding on some of them.

A large colony comprising of 150 Egyptian Vultures was observed near Mithi Bypass and place could be considered as a potentially rich site for initiating vulture based ecotourism and site could also be used as feeding ground or a vulture restaurant. But it needs to be managed on scientific basis.

Large colonies of Indian peafowl were observed near Hindu temples and villages. Other birds of prey including Common Kite and Greater Spotted Eagle were also observed in the same habitat.

During the survey Gharteyari Dam was visited, it is a newly built small dam which also serves as a potential wetland site for migratory water birds. Among the water birds Coot, Shoveller, Common Pochard, Little Tern and Black-headed Gull were recorded from wetland. Common Hoopoe, Pallas’s Fishing Eagle, Cinereous/Black Vulture and Greater Spotted Eagle were also sighted (Map 3).

After winter showers Thar was observed mostly green, water was stored in small dams, communities were observed busy in farmlands agriculture fields and herders and livestock were also noticed happy and somewhat healthy due to availability of fodder and water after rains.

7. Brief Account of Survey Results and Field Data

Field data was collected related to Livestock and the status of Vultures in the project area, covering the following main aspects.

1. Livestock available in the area

Data was collected from eleven villages in the project area. The names of villages are Oan Jo Wandhio, Malji Jo Wandhio, Parbati Jo Wandhio, Sudhran, Lakar khadio, Gatro, Rarkuo, Chitrasar, Surachand, Kasbo and Gharteyari. The livestock available in these villages comprise of Goats (634), Cows (415), Sheep (53), Buffalos (08), Camels (03), Horses (3) and a Donkey (01). Village Oan Jo Wandhio had 392 animals, Lakhar khadio (128), Gatro (113), Rarkuo (98), Parbati Jo Wandhio (72), Chitrasar (65), Sudhran (64) Gharteyari (63), Kasbo (57), Surachand (34) and Malji jo Wandhio (31) (Table 1).

2. Diseases mostly reported in Domestic Animals/Livestock and the medicines used for their treatment

The diseases reported in the local animals were to be Abdominal Disorder, Anthrax, Black Quarter, Cold, Cough and Fever, Constipation, Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CPP), Diarrhea, Eye-sore, Fits, Foot and Mouth disease, haemorrhagic septicemia, Itching, Meningitis, Pox, Tympany and Spleenic Fever. Medicines used for treatment of these diseases include Amoxil, Genticin, ivomec,

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Nilverm, Oxymit, Oxytetracycline, Penicillin, Voren, Wormex, Zanil, Zentel. Herbal medicines using local wisdom are also being used for the livestock treatment.

3. Livestock treatment methods and practices

The most prevalent methods for treatment of diseases in domestic animals include, purchasing medicine directly from the medical stores, using traditional methods based on local knowledge and wisdom for the treatment of sick animals, counseling in the community and very few livestock owners consult with the veterinary doctors for seeking advice on the treatment.

4. Mortalities of Domestic Animals during the last five year

The overall mortality was recorded in Goats (552), Sheep (58), Cows (26), Camels (04) and Buffalos (02). No mortality was reported in Horses and Donkeys from the study area during the period (Table 4A).

5. Disposal of dead Animals

Different methods were being employed for the disposal of carcasses of animals. These include throwing away of carcasses (101 cases), Burying (09 cases) and Handing over to Skinners (02 cases).

6. Vulture population status

According to the survey significant increase in population was reported in current year (365) comparing to last ten years (100). Significant increase was noticed in species of Egyptian Vultures followed by White-backed vultures, Long-billed vultures, Eurasian Griffon vultures, Cinereous vultures and Red-headed vultures.

7. Threats to Vultures

The present threats to vultures have been identified by communities include use of Diclofenac acid, shortage of food, habitat destruction, migration of species, absence of carcasses, absence of conservation initiatives, destruction of nest by herders, extensive use of pesticides and insecticides, human behavior, lack of conservation efforts, forest degradation, lack of laws and policies and development projects. Among these all the threats use of Diclofenac was identified as major threat followed by food shortage, absence of carcass, habitat degradation and disturbance in nesting areas. Threats to vultures relating to energy networks was not identified by communities as area is still under developed in terms of energy networking.

8. Level of Awareness about Vultures

Out of 108 persons interviewed, 53 were aware of the importance of vultures in the disposal/eating away of carcasses, 21 persons shared that vultures had religious importance to them, and 33 persons told that vultures had a role to protect people from diseases.

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9. Number of dead vultures reported in last 10 years

It was reported that there were 83 mortalities in all. Out of which, 10 vultures were found dead in last 10 years, 17 vultures in last 05 years, 21 vultures in last 3 years while 35 vultures were reported dead in last one year. Area wise mortalities were recorded from Oan Jo Wandhio (49), Malji Jo Wandhio (30), Rarkuo (03) and Gharteyari (01) (Table 11).

10. Awareness about the use of Meloxicam as an alternate to Diclofenac Acid

It was found that 60% of people knew that Meloxicam is an alternative drug and has similar benefits to Diclofenac but 40% of sample collected did not know about it. The safety of drug to vultures information to people was very scarce.

11. Prevalent Diseases in people of the area

The frequencies of most common human diseases prevalent in area were reported to be: Tuberculosis (57), Diabetes (49), Malaria (39), Gastritis (19), Cough (15), Hepatitis (08), Diarrhea (06), Cold (04), Asthma (03), Nausea and Vomiting (03), Pneumonia (02), Meningitis (02), Appendicitis (01) and Cancer (01)

12. Organisations working on the Conservation of Vultures in the area

According to survey organizations involved on vulture conservation include Baanhn Beli, Parkar foundation, WWF-P and IUCN.

8. Analysis of the Field Data

A. Livestock available in Project area

The survey was conducted from December, 2015 to January, 2016. A total number of 1,117 individuals of livestock were recorded in 11 villages (Table 1). Livestock reared by communities includes goats, cows, sheep, buffalos, camels, horses and donkeys. It was observed that goats were available in the area in maximum numbers (634), whereas only one donkey was found in Oan Jo Wandhio.

Oan Jo Wandhio is the only village where all seven types of livestock mentioned above were present. In Village Gatro, four types of livestock were found, these include cows, buffalos, goat sand sheep; while in Parbati Jo Wandhio, Sudhran, Lakher Khadio, Raro Khuo, Chitrasar, Suranchand,Kasbo and Gharteyari, only cows and goats were available. Overall results show that Oan Jo Wandhio is a rich in livestock having maximum number (392) of animals.

Table 1: Livestock reported in project area Goat Cow Sheep Buffalow Camel Horse Donkey Livestock in the 634 415 53 08 03 03 01 project area

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Horses, donkeys and camels are rarely found in project area and were available only in two villages namely Oan Jo Wandhio and Malji Jo Wandhio. Data exhibit that locals mostly keep goats, cows and sheep as their major livestock (Fig 1).

5%

Goat 37% Cow 58% Sheep

Figure 1: Livestock available in Project Area

B. Livestock Diseases

More than eighteen types of diseases were recorded during the survey from livestock in the study area. These diseases include Diarrhea, Black Quarter, Cold, Cough, Hemorrhagic Septicemia, Anthrax, Contagious Pleuro-Pneumonia (CPP), Fits, Tympany, Eye Sore, Pox, Constipation, Itching, Foot & Mouth, Fever, Spleenic Fever, Malaria and Abdominal disorders. (Table 2)

Table 2: Livestock Diseases

S. No Diseases No. of cases 1 Fever 34 2 CPP 28 3 Abdominal Disorder 25 4 Cough 22 5 Foot & Mouth 19 6 Diarrhea 13 7 Pox 13 8 Anthrax 5 9 Hemorrhagic Septicemia 4 10 Cold 2 11 Fits 2 12 Tympany 2 13 Constipation 2 14 Black Quarter 1 15 Eye Sore 1

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16 Itching 1 17 Splenic Fever 1 18 Malaria 1

Total 176 respondents reported maximum cases of Fever (34), Contagious Pleuro- pneumonia (28), Abdominal disorder(25), Cough(22), Foot & Mouth disease(19), Pox(11), Diarrhea(13), Anthrax (5), Hemorrhagic Septicemia (4), Cold (2), Fits(2), Tympany(2), and constipation(2), and only single case of each of Black Quarter, Eye Sore, Itching, Spleenic Fever and Malaria (Figure 2a).

Maximum cases of diseases in Livestock were found in village Oan Jo Wandhio (39) and Minimum in Sudhran (03),

1% 1% 1% 1% 2% Fever 3% 20% CPP 6% Abdominal Disorder 7% Cough

Foot & Mouth

10% 16% Diarrhea Pox

Anthrax 13% 14% Hemorrhagic Septicemia

Figure 2: Frequency of Diseases in Livestock

C. Treatment of Livestock Diseases and Methods

The community reported that in a total of 289 cases of sick animals, 98 (34%) cases were given treatment after consultation with local medical stores, 65 (22%) through self-medication, 50 (17%) cases counseled in village and in only 24 (8%) cases community consulted the veterinary doctors. Around 52 (18%) cases preferred using traditional methods of treatment. (Table-3)

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Table No.3: Livestock treatment methods S. No. Treatment Methods No. of Perceptions 1 Medical Stores 98 2 Self Medication 65 3 Traditional Treatment 52 4 Village Community 50 5 Veterinary Doctor 24

In village Malji Jo Wandhio livestock was found healthier and animals rarely fell ill and villagers mostly use traditional methods of treatment. Community explained that the presence of vultures in their village keeps premises clean from rubbish and carcasses and protects their livestock from diseases.

In village Oan Jo Wandhio, 94 cases were reported. Majority of villagers treat their livestock through self medication and very few consult with veterinary doctors. It was also noted during survey that medical stores are run by the locals without having certification from authorities.

Community reported that basic health facilities for livestock treatment are not available in the study area.

D. Meloxicam as an Alternative Drug to Diclofenac

Out of 110 people interviewed in the study area, 61 of them were aware of the use of Meloxicam as an alternative medicine to Diclofenac Acid for the treatment of sick animals (Fig.10). Awareness about on Meloxicam an Alternate Drug (Fig.10)

Did not know Knew 40% 60%

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E. Mortality of Livestock during the last five years

Villagers from eleven villages reported highest mortality ratio in goats in all of the villages during last five years (Figure 3).

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Goat Sheep Cow Figure 3: % Mortality of Livestock in last 5 years

F. Disposal of Dead Livestock

Data collected exhibit that locals mostly throw away dead animals (Table 5). Out of 112 carcasses, 101 were thrown away whereas 9 were buried and only two were given to skinners. (Fig 4)

100% 90% 90%

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% Carcass disposal disposal Carcass cases 20%

10% 8% 0% 2% Throwaway Burried skinners

Figure 4: % of disposal methods of dead animals

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G. Community observations on Vulture sightings during the last ten years

The following six vulture species were reported to be found in the study area as identified by communities using identification cards shown to them during data collection (Fig 5)

1 Red-headed Vulture, RH (Sarcogyps calvus) 2 Cinereous Vulture, CN (Aegypius monachus) 3 White-backed Vulture, WB (Gyps bengalensis) 4 Egyptian Vulture, EG (Neophron percnopterus) 5 Long-billed Vulture, LB (Gyps indicus)

A total of 100 Vulture sightings were reported by 108 villagers in different habitats. Among these, major sites were located in the mountains (14), villages (03), on Kandi trees (04), Neem trees (03), Lohero trees and other trees (04).

Vultures were reported from mountains, villages, ponds and other areas such as Kasbo, Gharteyari, Chitrasar, Parbati Jo Wandhio, Oan Jo Wandhio, Malji Jo Wandhio, Gatro Mountains, Rarkuo Hills, Hameer Singh Farm, Pond of Rammal, Harmat Mori Mountain, Ratiaan Ji Paar, Krishan Jo Wandhio, Kari Jo Jhar, Mundro Village, Choran Pond, Karoonjhar Hills and Lakhar Khadio (Table 6 & 7).

Table 7: Numbers of vultures reported during the last 10 years White Red-headed Cinereous backed Egyptian Long-Billed Eurasian Griffon vulture vulture vulture vulture vulture vulture 3 11 6 43 43 24

6 Eurasian Griffon Vulture EGR (Gyps fulvus)

50 40 30 20 10 0

Figure 5: Numbers of Vultures as observed reported during the last 10 years

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H. Community observations on current status of vultures

The overall number of present day individuals of each of the six species of vultures reported from the area shows a trend of increase in the population of each of the six species in comparison to the population each species recorded in the previous ten years. (Fig. …)

The total number of vultures (365) reported from each individual study site is as follows: Oan Jo Wandhio (78), Gharteyari (40), Chitrasar (45), Rarkuo (45), Gatro (51), Kasbo (9), Surachand (15), Parbati Jo Wandhio (19), Malji Jo Wandhio (34), Lakhar khadio (18) and sudhran (11).

Table 8: Numbers of vultures reported at present Red-headed Cinereous White-back Egyptian Long-billed Eurasian Griffon vulture vulture vulture vulture vulture vulture 5 23 89 141 74 33

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Figure 6: Number of Vultures at present

White-backed Vulture was reported only from Oan Jo Wandhio (65), Gatro (11), Malji Jo Wandhio (08), Surachand (03) and Gharteyari (02). Long-billed Vulture was recorded from Oan Jo Wandhio (8), Gharteyari (9), Kasbo (4), Chitrasar (2), Surachand (2), Malji Jo Wandhio (20), Gatro (15), Rarkuo (08), Sudhran (05) and Parbati Jo Wandhio (01). (Fig.6)

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I. Threats to Vultures

Total 304 perceptions on threats to vultures were recorded and these were further categorized under 14 categories. Among these, the uses of Diclofenac was identified by communities as the top most threat (33%) to vultures in NagarParkar Vulture Safe Zone area, followed by shortage of food (20%), migration (17%), habitat destruction (11%), and absence of carcasses (7%). These were identified as major threats to the vulture populations in vulture safe zone. Other threats include destruction of nests by herders, absence of conservation initiatives, high use of pesticides and insecticides, killing of vultures for any other reason, forest degradation and human behavior. (Figure 7)

Threats to Vulture population in project area (Fig.7)

Energy networks Absence of laws and policies Development projects Forest degradation Absence of conservation efforts High use of pesticides and insecticides Human behaviour Killing of vultures for any other reason Destruction of nests by herders Absence of caracass Habitat destruction Migration of species to other countries Food shortage-removal of dead animals by human Diclofenac use in livestock

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Extent of threats

J. Awareness about importance of Vultures

It was found that 53 persons out of 108 (49%) were aware of their importance that they remove carcasses from surrounding and clean the environment, whereas, 21 (20%) persons highlighted their importance with reference to religious values. Among all the respondents 33 (31%) recognized the role of vultures as barriers against diseases in human beings and livestock (Table 10), Figure 8 and 8b.

Table 10: Level of community awareness about importance of vultures and the services rendered by them Importance & Services of Vultures Number of Perceptions

Remove Carcasses 53

Protect from Diseases 33

Religious Importance 21

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Awareness on role and importance of vultures (Fig.8 b) 20% 31%

Remove Carcass Protect from diseases 49% Religiously Important

K. Mortalities of vultures during the last 10 years

Molarities of Vultures during the last ten years, as stated by the communities are as follows (Table 11).

It is noticeable that highest mortality rate was recorded by the communities in last one year, with 35 Vultures (42%). (Fig.9)

Table 11: Mortality of vultures reported during last 10 years Years 1 3 5 10 Mortality seen 35 21 17 10

40 35 35 30 25 20 21 17 15 10 10 5 0 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years

Figure 9: Mortalities of vultures during the last 10 years

L. Diseases mostly observed in Human beings

As stated by the communities sixteen types of diseases were prevalent in the study area (Table 13). These include Diarrhea, Vomiting, Asthma, Fever, Cold, T.B, Cough, Hepatitis, Diabetes, Gastro, Malaria, Cancer, Meningitis, Fits, Pneumonia and Appendicitis. The maximum cases (56) were recorded related to T.B followed by 49 cases of Diabetes and Fever (45) as shown in Figure 10a. T.B is the most common disease found in human beings inhabiting Nagarparkar.

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60

50

40

30

No. ofcases No. 20

10

0

Figure : Diseases mostly observed in Humanbeings

People perception about relationship of diseases with vultures: Figure 12 45 40

35 30 25 20 15 Disease Cases Disease 10 Diseases 5 0

In response to a question about the relationship between the prevalence of diseases and presence of vultures, the people claimed that the areas having more population of vultures were less affected by the diseases than those having less or no population of vultures.

M. Organisations working on the Conservation of Vultures in the area

A few NGOs, CBOs and Government Departments have been working on the conservation of vultures in the study area (Table 14).

Table 14: S/No. Organisations Key Activities 1 Sindh Wildlife Department, Rann of Kuch has been declared as a Wildlife Government of Sindh (SWD) sanctuary by the Government of Sindh in 1980 and under Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1972.

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SWD has been actively working on the conservation, protection and management of wildlife in area including vultures. 2 Baanhn Beli A well-known Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) working on the conservation of vultures in Tharparkar area since 2012 focusing on community involvement and education / awareness of local people. 3 World Wild Fund for Nature- A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) working on Pakistan (WWF-P) the conservation of vultures in Tharparkar area, since 2010. 4 Parkar Foundation A local Community Based Organization (CBO) engaged in vulture conservation activities with volunteers with WWF Pakistan, Baanhn Beli and IUCN Pakistan. 5 Dharti Sangat A local NGO working on vulture conservation in the area. 6 IUCN Pakistan IUCN Pakistan is a very recent entry on the subject in the areas.

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9. Conclusion

1. The key species of vultures of the project area are the White-backed Vulture, Long- billed Vulture and the Egyptian Vulture. Out of these, White-backed Vulture and Long-billed Vulture are critically endangered, While Egyptian Vulture is endangered. Out of the less common/scarce species of vultures in the project area, Red-headed Vulture is critically endangered, Cinereous Vulture is near threatened and the status of Eurasian Griffon is least concern.

2. Studies on the status of vulture species have been undertaken by the different authorities up to 2014. Murn at al. (2014) monitored a colony of White-backed Vultures during 2011 and 2014 and found that the number of active nests in the colony increased from 11 to 34. As subsequent studies have not been reported so far, the present day distribution and status of vultures in Sindh is yet to be determined through prolonged studies with emphasis on recording the mortality rates of these species, the extent of their dependence on the carcasses of animals and determination of the use of Diclofenac in animal treatment and its impact on vultures, if any, in the study area. There are gaps in studies on vultures, so any clear picture of the threats to their survival is not available at present. The present baseline may however serve as a benchmark for future monitoring studies. 3. Diclofenac was rated as top most threat to vultures in safe zone followed by food shortage, habitat & nest destruction including absence of carcasses and migration. 4. As per observations of the local communities, 100 vultures belonging to 6 species were observed during the last 10 years. In current year, 365 vultures belonging to these species were reported. Significant rise was noticed in Egyptian vultures, followed by White-backed vultures, Long-billed vultures, Eurasian Griffon Vultures, Cinereous Vultures and Red-headed vultures respectively. All this needs confirmation through detailed studies on the subject.

5. During the present study, a total of 14 White-backed, 26 Long-billed and 179 Egyptian Vultures were recorded by the expert team from Mithi and Nagarparkar area. Local people informed that about 200-400 Long-billed Vultures were available in Nagarparkar area with their main nesting sites in the Karoonjhar Hills, and as regards White backed Vultures, about 200 individuals may be available in the area.

6. The directive to ban the use of Diclofenac Acid has not been circulated to the veterinary doctors so most of them are ignorant of its toxic effects on vultures. Moreover, they are also not convinced of using Meloxicam as an alternate medicine. However, Voren is still the most used medicine in the treatment of sick animals. Still, there is need to publicize the ban imposed by the government on the veterinary use of Diclofenac and other drugs harmful to vultures. 7. Community health in village Malji Jo Wandhio was found far better comparing with all the villages only one percent (3) of total sample (256) illness was reported 8. The present livestock population of goats, cows and sheep is mostly being affected

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by the diseases and prevalent diseases such as Abdominal Disorders, Anthrax, Black Quarter, Cold, Cough and Fever, Constipation, Contagious Pleuropneumonia (CPP), Diarrhea, Foot and Mouth Ddisease, Haemorrhagic Septicemia, Itching, Meningitis, Pox and Tympany. 9. Livestock owners told that they mostly purchase medicines from stores and treat animals without seeking any consultation from the veterinary doctors. Mostly, local counseling is done and rational medicines and methods are being applied and preferred. Only 8% livestock owners consulted veterinary doctors. Good aspect is livestock owners treat animals with traditional medicines which is in one way is keeping Diclofenac away from contaminating the food supply of the vultures but unadvised self-medication and direct medicine purchase increases the chances of purchasing Diclofenac sodium injections. 10. Livestock in village Malji Jo Wandhio was found healthier, where a small White- backed vulture colony is resident in middle of village which is fully protected by community. It is conceived that the presence of vultures help in keeping village environment clean and protect the livestock from contagious diseases. 11. Village Oan Jo Wandhio was found having more livestock, where all the seven types of livestock are being reared. More number of cases of livestock diseases and mortality in animals were reported from the same village. According to community observation highest number of vultures was also reported from the same village. It is quite interesting to note if the vultures are present and providing services what other factors are involved causing diseases in livestock. May be high number of animal mortality and low vulture population could be one cause but this further needs to be investigated to draw a clear picture on the issue. 12. The increasing number of stakeholders on vulture conservation had a positive impact on overall awareness on the communities. It could be said that it has resulted in improvement of conservation. Baanhn Beli and IUCN’s joint initiative has strengthened the current work which improved stakeholders’ knowledge, awareness on the subject issue. In the long run this will help in improving coordination among stakeholders at local, provincial, national and regional level. Ultimately with the effective multi-sector community based management and scientific approach will lead to increase the restoration of vulture population.

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10. Priority Actions and Recommendations

1. Regular studies/monitoring regarding vultures are required in the Vulture Safe Zone.

2. Capacity building of the stakeholders on vulture conservation and management is urgently required.

3. Vaccination programs for livestock are required to be undertaken regularly.

4. Education material on vultures in local languages should be developed in the form of fact sheets/posters/pamphlets for public awareness.

5. Baanhn Beli and Parkar Foundation may be supported for Vultures conservation programmes by the Government as these are the only local NGOs working for protection and conservation of vultures in Tharparkar.

6. Ex-situ conservation programs for White-backed and Long-billed Vultures may be undertaken to increase and protect populations in Vulture Safe Zone and research needs to be enhanced on vulture conservation.

7. Detailed investigations should be conducted to arrest the increasing mortality of Vultures.

8. Water points and feeding sites such as vulture restaurants need to be established in consultation with local communities and relevant stakeholders.

9. Vulture Study Groups may be constituted involving experts, students and volunteers and the numbers of Vulture Friendly Groups need to be increased involving experts

10. Sindh Wildlife Department as a main stakeholder may take lead and provide overall guidance and resources for conservation, protection and restoration of vulture populations in Sindh. Biodiversity Data Resource Centre including vulture section may be established.

11. Status Paper and Conservation Policy for Vultures are urgently required for guidance in future research and conservation of vultures.

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11. References

 Ahmed, S. and Khan, U. 2005. Evaluation of the current status of Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus and Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus in Central and Northern Balochistan. WWF- Pakistan Technical reports. 32pp.

 AVPP 2007 Asian Vulture Population Project, February 2007, www.peregrinefund. Org/vulture

 Bird Life International, 2007 Species fact sheet: Gyps coprotheres Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org. on 21/6/2007

 Bird Life International, 2011 IUCN Red list of Birds. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 16/05/2011

 Chaudhry, M. J. I. (2004) Distribution, status and breeding biology of Long- billed Vulture (Gyps indicus) Karoonjhar hills in Nagarparkar (District Tharparkar) Sindh province, Pakistan: breeding season 2003-2004. Unpublished report to The Peregrine Fund.

 Chaudhry, M. J. I. (2009) Distribution, status, and population trends of Long- billed Vulture Gyps indicus in Karoonjhar hills during breeding seasons 2003- 2009 at Nagarparkar town in Tharparkar district of Sindh province Pakistan. Unpublished report to The Peregrine Fund.

 Chaudhry, M. J. I., Ogada, D. L., Malik, R. N., Virani, M. Z., and Giovanni, M. D., 2012 First evidence that populations of the critically endangered Long- billed Vulture Gyps indicus in Pakistan have increased following the ban of the toxic veterinary drug diclofenac in south Asia. Bird Conserv. Intern. 22: 389- 397.

 Ghalib, S. A., Khan, M. Z., Zehra, A. and Abbass, B., 2008 Bioecology of Nara Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Districts Ghotki, Sukkur and Khairpur, Sindh. Pakistan J. Zool., vol. 40(1), pp. 37-43.

 Ghalib, S. A., Khan, M. Z., Hussain., S. A., Zehra, A., Samreen, N., Tabassum, F., Jabeen, T., Khan, A. R., Sharma, L. and Bhatti, T. 2013. Current distribution and status of the mammals, birds and reptiles in Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, Sindh. Int.J.Biol. Biotech., 10 (4) 601-611.

 Gilbert, M., Virani, M. Z., Watson, R. T., Oaks, J. L., Benson, P. C., Khan, A. A., Ahmed, S., Chaudhry, M. J. I., Arshad, M., Mahmood, S. and Shah, Q. A., 2002. Breeding and mortality of Oriental White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis in Punjab Province, Pakistan. Bird Conserv. Int. Nat. 12: 311–326.

 Gilbert, M., Oaks, J.I., Virani, M.Z., Watson, R. T., Ahmed, S., Chaudhry, M. J. I., Arshad, M., Mahmood, S., Ali., A., Khattak, R. M and Khan., A. A 2004. The status and decline in vultures in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh, Pakistan: A 2003 update. In Raptors Worldwide: Proceedings of the VI World Conf. on Birds of Prey and Owls. Budapest, Hungary. Chancellor, R.D & Meyburg. B.U. (eds.).

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World Working Group on Birds of Prey and Owls, Berlin.

 Gilbert, M., Watson, R. T., Virani, M. Z., Oaks, J. I., Ahmad, S., Choudhry, M.J. I., Arshad, M., Mahmood. S., Ali, A. and Khan, A. A. 2006. Rapid population decline and mortality clusters in three Oriental White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis colonies in Pakistan due to Diclofenac poisoning. Oryx40: 388-399.

 Gilbert, M., Watson, R.T and Virani M.Z, 2007a, Neck drooping posture an Oriental White-Backed vulture (Gyps bengalensis) an unsuccessful predictor of mortality and its probable role in thermoregulation. G. Raptor Res.41:35-40

 Gilbert, M., Watson, R.T., Ahmed, S., Asim, M. and Johnson, J.A. 2007b. Vulture restaurants and their role in reducing Diclofenac exposure in Asian vultures. Bird Conservation International 17:63-77.

 Green, R.E., Newton, I., Shultz, S. Cunningham, A. A., Gilbert, M., Pain, D. J. and Prakash, V., 2004. Diclofenac poisoning as a cause of vulture population declines across the Indian subcontinent. Journal of Applied Ecology 41: 793- 800.

 Iqbal. S., Khan, U. and Murn, C., 2011. Vulture population and status survey, Pakistan. (Unpublished Report, 11 pp.)

 Ishaque, M.S, 1993. Sheep production in Pakistan. Sheep Management Systems. Ed, Macintosh. Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), Islamabad

 IUCN, 2015. IUCN Red List of threatened species.

 Khan, A. A., Virani, M., Oaks, L., Benson, P. C., Gilbert, M., Watson, R. T. and Risebrough, R. W., 2001. A survey of the Oriental White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis in the Punjab Province, Pakistan. J. Res. Sci. 12: 97–104.

 Murn, C., Khan, U. and Farid, F., 2008. Vulture populations in Pakistan and the Gyps Vulture Restoration Project. Vulture News 58:35-43.

 Murn, C., Saeed, U., Khan, U., and Iqbal, S., 2014 Population and spatial breeding dynamics of a Critically Endangered Oriental White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis colony in Sindh Province, Pakistan. Bird Conservation International, Available on CJO doi:10.1017/S0959270914000483

 Oaks, J. L., Rideout, B. A., Gilbert, M., Watson, R., Virani, M. and Khan, A., 2001. Summary of dignostic investigations in to Vulture mortality: Punjab province, Pakistan, 2000-2001[Abstract] 4th Eurasian congress on Reptors, 25- 29 September 2001. Seville, Spain: Estacion Biologica Donana and Reptor Research Foundation.

 Oaks, J. I., Gilbert, M., Virani, M. Z., Watson, R. T. Meteyer, C. U., Rideout, B. A., Shivaprasad, H. I., Ahmed, S., Choudhry, M. J. I., Arshad, M., Mahmood, S., Ali, A. and Khan, A. A., 2004a. Diclofenac residues as the cause of population decline of vultures in Pakistan. Nature 427: 630-633.

 Oaks, J. L., Donahoe, S. L., Rurangirwa, F. R., Rideout, B. A., Gilbert, M. and Page 31 of 69

Virani, M. Z., 2004b. Identification of a novel mycoplasma species from Oriental White-backed Vulture (Gyps Benglensis). J. Clinical Microbiol. 42:5909-5912.

 Pain, D. J., Cunningham, A. A., Donald, P. F., Duckworth, J. W., Houston, D. C., Katzner, T., Parry-Jones, J., Poole, C., Prakash, V., Round, P. and Timmins, R. 2003. Causes and effects of temporospatial declines of Gyps vultures in Asia. Conserv. Biol. 17: 661–671.

 Pain, D. J., Bowden, C.G.R., Cunningham, A. A., Cuthbert, R., Das. D., Gilbert, M., Jakati, R., Jhala, Y., khan. A. A., Naidoo, V., Oaks, J. L., Parry-Jones, J., Prakash, V., Rehmani, A., Ranade, S., Baral, H. S., Sanacha, K. R., Saravana, S., Shah, N., Sawan, G., Swarup, D., Taggart, M. A., Watson, R. T., Virani, M. Z., Wolter, K. and Green, R. E., 2008. The Race to prevent the extinction of South Asian Vultures. Bird Conserv. Intern. 18: S30-S48.

 Prakash, V., 1999. Status of vultures in Keoladeo National Park, Bharat pur, Rajhistan, with special reference to population crash in Gyps species. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 96: 365-378

 Qamar, F. M., Ali, H., Ashraf, S., Daud, A., Gillani, H. and Rehama, H. U., 2011. Distribution and Habitat Mapping of Key Fauna Species in selected areas of Western Himalaya, Pakistan, Jour. Anim. & Plant. Sci. 21(2 Suppl.): 396-399.

 Roberts, T. J. (1991) the birds of Pakistan: Volume 1: Regional studies and non-Passeriformes. Karachi: Oxford University Press.

 SAVE 2015. Saving Asia’s Vulture from Extinction. Report from 4th Meeting from 20-23 November 2014, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 SAVE 2016. Saving Asia’s Vulture from Extinction. Report from 5th Meeting from 18-19 November 2015, Katmandu, Nepal.

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Annexure 1: Baseline Survey Questionnaire

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Annexure 2: Maps Map.1: Map Showing Interviewee’s Locations in Nagarparkar

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Map 2. Vulture Sighting Map

Map 3. Showing Biodiversity of the study area

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Map 4. Initial survey map used during field survey (source: Google

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Map 5. Vulture Safe Zone of Nagarparkar (Source: WWF-Pakistan)

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Annexure 3: Tables Table 1: Livestock in Project Area

S No. Names of Villages Goat Cow Sheep Buffalo Camel Horse Donkey Total 1 Oan Jo Wandhio 193 150 38 6 3 1 1 392 2 Malji Jo Wandhio 25 4 0 0 0 2 0 31 3 Parbati Jo Wandhio 39 33 0 0 0 0 0 72 4 Sudhran 35 29 0 0 0 0 0 64 5 Lakhar khadio 69 59 0 0 0 0 0 128 6 Gatro 65 41 5 2 0 0 0 113 7 Rarkuo 53 36 9 0 0 0 0 98 8 Chitrasar 40 24 1 0 0 0 0 65 9 Surachand 28 6 0 0 0 0 0 34 10 Kasbo 44 13 0 0 0 0 0 57 11 Gharteyari 43 20 0 0 0 0 0 63 Total 634 415 53 8 3 3 1 1117

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Table 2: Livestock Diseases

S. Name of Village Diseases No. of cases No. 1 Diarrhea 10 Oan Jo Wandhio Black Quarter 1 Cold 1 Cough 1 Hemorrhagic Septicemia 4 Anthrax 4 CPP 2 Fits 1 Tympany 2 Eye Soar 1 Pox 6 Constipation 1 Ithing 1 Foot & Mouth 3 Anthrax 1

2 Malji Jo Wandhio 0 3 Parbati Jo Wandhio Fever 7 Cough 5 CPP 3 4 Sudhran Fever 2 Cough 1 5 Fever 12 Cough 6 Lakhar khadio Pox 1 Diarhia 2 CPP 4 6 Gatro Pox 1 Cough 5 Fever 7 CPP 2 7 Rarkuo Cough 4 Fever 5 Foot & Mouth 1 Splenic Fever 1 Malaria 1 CPP 1 8 Chitrasar Foot & Mouth 3 CPP 8 Abdominal Disorder 3 Pox 2 9 Surachand Abdominal Disorder 9 CPP 2 Foot & Mouth 5 Pox 2 Constipation 1 10 Kasbo Foot & Mouth 6 Abdominal Disorder 7 Pox 1

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11 Gharteyari CPP 6 Diarrhea 1 Cold 1 Fever 1 Abdominal Disorder 6 Foot & Mouth 1 Fits 1

Total 176

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Table 3: Livestock Treatment and methods

S. No Name of Villages Self Village Vet Medical Traditional Total Medication Community Doctor Store Treatment counseling

1 Oan Jo Wandhio 30 16 14 25 12 97 2 Malji Jo Wandhio 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Parbati Jo Wandhio 7 6 0 7 0 20 4 Sudhran 2 2 0 2 0 6 5 Lakhar khadio 11 11 0 11 1 34 6 Gatro 9 9 0 9 0 27 7 Rarkuo 6 6 1 6 1 20 8 Chitrasar 0 0 0 9 9 18 9 Surachand 0 0 1 10 10 21 10 Kasbo 0 0 1 9 9 19 11 Gharteyari 0 0 7 10 10 27 Total 65 50 24 98 52 289

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Table 4: Mortality of Livestock During Last 5 years

S. No Names Of Villages Goat Cow Sheep Buffalo Camel Horse Donkey

1 Oan Jo Wandhio 407 15 46 0 4 0 0 2 Malji Jo Wandhio 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 Parbati Jo Wandio 14 2 2 0 0 0 0

4 Sudhran 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

5 Lakhar khadio 12 0 5 0 0 0 0

6 Gatro 9 1 1 0 0 0 0

7 Rarkuo 4 0 2 0 0 0 0

8 Chitrasar 26 4 0 0 0 0 0

9 Surachand 31 2 0 1 0 0 0

10 Kasbo 13 1 0 1 0 0 0

11 Gharteyari 132 1 2 0 0 0 0

Total 652 26 58 2 4 0 0

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Table 4a: Frequency of mortality in Livestock in Last 5 years

S. No Livestock 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year Total

1 Cow 14 6 6 26 2 Buffalo 1 0 1 2

3 Goat 362 175 15 552 4 Sheep 47 10 1 58

5 Camel 4 0 0 4

6 Horse 0 0 0 0 7 Donkey 0 0 0 0

Total 428 191 23 642

Table 4b: Village Wise Mortality frequency of Livestock during last 5 years S. Names of Livestock 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years Total No Villages 1 Cow 5 4 6 15 Buffalo 0 0 0 0 Oun jo Goat 129 163 1 293 Wandhio Sheep 36 9 1 46 Camel 4 0 0 4 Horse 0 0 0 0 Donkey 0 0 0 0 2 Cow 0 0 0 0 Buffalo 0 0 0 0 Malji Jo Goat 2 0 0 2 Wandhio Sheep 0 0 0 0 Camel 0 0 0 0 Horse 0 0 0 0 Donkey 0 0 0 0 Cow 1 1 0 2 3 Parbati Jo Buffalo 0 0 0 0 Wandhio Goat 10 4 0 14 Sheep 1 1 0 2 Camel 0 0 0 0 Horse 0 0 0 0 Donkey 0 0 0 0

4 Cow 0 0 0 0 Buffalo 0 0 0 0 Sudhran Goat 2 0 0 2 Sheep 0 0 0 0 Camel 0 0 0 0 Horse 0 0 0 0 Donkey 0 0 0 0 5 Cow 0 0 0 0 Buffalo 0 0 0 0 Lakhar khadio Goat 12 0 0 12

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Sheep 5 0 0 5 Camel 0 0 0 0 Horse 0 0 0 0 Donkey 0 0 0 0 6 Cow 1 0 0 1 Buffalo 0 0 0 0 Gatro Goat 9 0 0 9 Sheep 1 0 0 1 Camel 0 0 0 0 Horse 0 0 0 0 Donkey 0 0 0 0 7 Cow 0 0 0 0 Buffalo 0 0 0 0 Rarkuo Goat 4 0 0 4 Sheep 2 0 0 2 Camel 0 0 0 0 Horse 0 0 0 0 Donkey 0 0 0 0 8 Chitrasar Cow 4 0 0 4 Buffalo 0 0 0 0 Goat 26 0 0 26 Sheep 0 0 0 0 Camel 0 0 0 0 Horse 0 0 0 0 Donkey 0 0 0 0 9 Surachand Cow 2 0 0 2 Buffalo 1 0 0 1 Goat 31 0 0 31 Sheep 0 0 0 0 Camel 0 0 0 0 Horse 0 0 0 0 Donkey 0 0 0 10 Cow 1 0 0 1 Buffalo 0 0 1 1 Kasbo Goat 5 8 0 13 Sheep 0 0 0 0 Camel 0 0 0 0 Horse 0 0 0 0 Donkey 0 0 0 0 11 Gharteyari Cow 0 1 0 1 Buffalo 0 0 0 0 Goat 132 0 0 132 Sheep 2 0 0 2 Camel 0 0 0 0 Horse 0 0 0 0 Donkey 0 0 0 0 Total 428 191 9 628 Table 5: Disposal Methods of Dead Livestock

S. Names of Villages Burried Throw away Skinners Total No 1 Oan Jo Wandhio 7 30 1 38

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2 Malji Jo Wandhio 0 1 0 1 3 Parbati jo Wandhio 1 5 0 6

4 Sudhran 0 2 0 2 5 Lakhar khadio 0 10 0 10

6 Gatro 0 9 0 9 7 Rarkuo 0 7 0 7

8 Chitrasar 0 9 0 9 9 Surachand 0 10 0 10

10 Kasbo 1 9 1 11

11 Gharteyari 0 9 0 9

Total 9 101 2 112

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Table 6: Locations and community sightings on Vultures during last 10 years

S. No Locations Total 1 Mountain harmat mori 1 2 Ratian ji Paar 1 3 Krishan ji wandhio 1 4 Kari jo jhor 1 5 Peak of mountain 2 6 Near of Houses 4 7 Pond of Ranmal 2 8 Dam Gharslito 1 9 Mali jo wandhio 2 10 Tadiyo Mountain 1 11 Pochati ja jhor 1 12 Hameer singh farm 3 13 East side of Oun Village 1 14 Village Mundro 1 15 North side of Oun Village 1 16 Choran pond 1 17 Trees 4 18 In Village 3 19 Dam 1 20 Mountain 12 21 Parbati jo wandhio 3 22 Karoonjhar 1 23 kandi tree 4 24 Neem tree 3 25 Lakhar khadio 1 26 Gatro mountain 5 27 Hill Rarokhou 5 28 Ponds & Farm land Chitrasar 8 29 old Kaasbi 14 30 Ghar Teyari mountain 12 Total 100

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Table 7: Village wise observation on vultures made in last 10 years

S Village Name Red-headed Cinereous White back Egyptian Long-Billed Eurasian Griffon Total no. Vulture Vulture Vulture Vulture Vulture Vulture

1 Oan Jo Wandhio 1 0 1 0 1 0 3 2 Malji Jo Wandhio 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 3 Parbati Jo Wandhio 0 0 0 7 1 1 9 4 Sudhran 0 1 0 2 1 0 4 5 Lakhar khadio 1 0 0 10 4 4 19 6 Gatro 0 2 1 6 5 5 19 7 Rarkuo 1 2 0 4 2 5 14 8 Chitrasar 0 0 0 8 7 6 21 9 Surachand 0 2 1 1 7 0 11 10 Kasbo 0 1 0 0 6 1 8 11 Gharteyari 0 3 2 5 8 2 20 Total 3 11 6 43 43 24 130

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Table 8: Community observation on number of species and Present status

S Village Name Red-headed Cinereous White back Egyptian Long-Billed Eurasion Griffon Total no. Vulture Vulture Vulture Vulture Vulture Vulture

1 Oan Jo Wandhio 4 0 65 0 8 1 78

2 Malji Jo Wandhio 0 0 8 6 20 0 34

3 Parbati Jo Wandhio 0 0 0 15 1 3 19

4 Sudhran 0 1 0 5 5 0 11

5 Lakhar khadio 0 0 0 18 0 0 18

6 Gatro 0 2 11 22 15 1 51

7 Rarkuo 1 4 0 27 8 5 45

8 Chitrasar 0 3 0 28 2 12 45

9 Surachand 0 5 3 5 2 0 15

10 Kasbo 0 2 0 0 4 3 9

11 Gharteyari 0 6 2 15 9 8 40

Total 5 23 89 141 74 33 365

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Table 9: Threats to Vultures in surveyed area

S. No Names of Villages Threats

1 Herders 2 3 4 countries 5 Initiative 6 insecticides 7 reason other 8 by tradersanimals dead 9 10 11 Policies 12 13 14 15

Diclofenac Diclofenac use in Livestock Destruction Nests of by Absence of carcass Destruction Habitat ofMigration species other to Conservation Absence of Pesticides High use of and Killing of for vultures any Food Shortage

Forest Forest degradation BehaviorHuman andAbsence of Law DevelopmentProjects Energy networks An

y other

Total

-

removal ofremoval

1 Oan Jo Wandhio 29 2 5 1 16 0 4 5 23 2 6 0 0 0 0 93

2 Malji Jo Wandhio 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 11

3 Parbati Jo Wandhio 7 1 3 5 6 0 1 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 30

4 Sudhran 2 2 1 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 11

5 Lakhar khadio 10 1 5 10 12 1 0 1 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 51

6 Gatro 7 2 2 9 8 1 2 2 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 42

7 Rarkuo 5 0 3 5 6 1 0 1 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 28

8 Chitrasar 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9

9 Surachand 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10

10 Kasbo 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9

11 Gharteyari 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10

Total 99 9 20 33 51 4 7 10 60 3 6 1 1 0 0 304

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Table 10: Awareness About Importance and services of Vultures

S. No. Name of Villages No. of Persons Remove Religious Protect from Interviewed Carcass Importance Diseases

1 Oan Jo Wandhio 32 17 14 0 2 Malji Jo Wandhio 1 1 1 1 3 Parbati Jo wandhio 7 6 1 0 4 Sudhran 2 2 0 0 5 Lakhar khadio 12 11 1 0 6 Gatro 9 10 1 0 7 Rarkuo 7 5 0 0 8 Chitrasar 9 0 2 7 9 Surachand 10 0 0 10 10 Kasbo 9 0 0 9 11 Gharteyari 10 1 1 6 Total 108 53 21 33

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Table 11: Number of Dead Vultures reported during Last 10 years

S. No Village Name 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10 Year Total 1 Oan Jo Wandhio 30 10 7 2 49 2 Malji Jo Wandhio 4 8 10 8 30 3 Parbati jo wandio 0 0 0 0 0 4 Sudhran 0 0 0 0 0 5 Lakhar khadio 0 0 0 0 0 6 Gatro 0 0 0 0 0 7 Rarkuo 0 3 0 0 3 8 Chitrasar 0 0 0 0 0 9 Surachand 0 0 0 0 0 10 Kasbo 0 0 0 0 0 11 Gharteyari 1 0 0 0 1 Total 35 21 17 10 83

Table 12: Awareness about use of Meloxicam as an alternative to Diclofenac

S. No Names of Villages Yes No 1 Oan Jo Wandhio 23 10 2 Malji Jo Wandhio 0 1 3 Parbati Jo Wandhio 2 4 4 Sudhran 0 2 5 Lakhar khadio 3 9 6 Gatro 0 9 7 Rarkuo 0 6 8 Chitrasar 9 0 9 Surachand 9 0 10 Kasbo 7 0 11 Gharteyari 8 0 Total 61 41

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Table 13: Diseases mostly observed in Humanbeings Table 14: Organisations Working on Conservation of Vultures

S. No. Name of Organization Working from Sites S. Names of Villages Diarrhea Vomiting Asthma Fever Cold T.B Cough Hepatitis Dubieties Gastro Malaria Cancer meningitis Fits Pneumonia Appendices 1 Baanhn Beli 2012 - 2013 Rarkuo

No

Chitrasar

Gatro Total

Gharteyari Kasbo Lakherkhadio 1 Oan Jo Wandhio 6 3 0 7 3 8 4 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 2 0 39 Nangerparker

2 Malji Jo Wandhio 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1Surachand 0 0 0 0 0 3 23 Parbati JoParkar Wandhio Foundation 0 0 0 7 30 - 6 months3 1 0 1 0 1Khepora 0 0 0 0 1 14 4 Sudhran 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 lakher0 khadio0 0 0 0 4 Malji jo wandhio 5 Lakhar khadio 0 0 0 11 0 9 3 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 Mondro 6 Gatro 0 0 0 9 0 6 3 0 4 0 0Oan 0 0 0 0 0 22

7 Rarkuo 0 0 0 7 0 4 4 1 3 0 1 Sakhani0 0 paro 0 0 0 20

Sukhpur 8 Chitrasar 0 0 2 0 1 6 0 2 9 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 28 3 WWF - Pakistan 3 month Nagarparker 49 SurachandIUCN 0 0 0 0 Less0 4than 0 two 0months 10 6 9Nagarparkar 0 0 0 0 0 29 10 Kasbo 0 0 1 0 0 5 0 5 7 4 8 0 0 0 0 0 30 11 Gharteyari 0 0 0 1 0 10 0 2 3 6 10 0 1 0 0 0 33 Total 6 3 3 45 4 56 15 11 49 19 39 1 1 1 2 1 256

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Annexure 4: Figures

250 Goat

200 Cow Sheep 150 Buffalo

Camel

100 Horse Donkey

50 No. ofCases No.

0

Figure 1: Livestock in Project area

40 No. of cases 35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Figure 2: Frequency of Diseases in Livestock

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45 40

35

30 25 20

ofCases No. 15 10 5 0

Figure 2b: Village-wise cases of Livestock disease

18 16 14

12

10 8

6 Remove

ofcases No. 4 Carcass

2 Religious 0 Importance Protect from Diseases

Figure 7: Awareness about Importance of Vulture

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35

30 25 20 15 10 1 Year No. ofDead No.Vultures 5 3 Year 0 5 Year 10 Year

Figure 9: Dead Vultures seen during last 10 years

60

50

40

30

No. ofcases No. 20

10

0

Figure 9: Diseases mostly observed in Humanbeings

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Annexure 5: Photographs

A view of training session at Baanhn Beli Office, Nagarparkar

Dr. Syed Ali Ghalib, Bird Specialist, training enumerators on survey techniques

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Dr. Fehmida Firdous, Biodiversity Specialist training on data recording methods

Mr. Nadeem Mirbahar briefing enumerators on field data collection methods

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Enumerators and project staff during a training session

Enumerators filling data sheets in field under experts’ supervision

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Colony of White-backed Vultures with nesting observed on Prosopis cineraria (Kandi) tree in Malji Jo Wandhio

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Colony of Egyptian Vultures near Mithi Bypass feeding on dead poultry

Egyptian Vultures feeding on goat carcass near Mithi

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Migratory Birds at Gharteyari Dam, Nagar

Survey team along with enumerators at Gharteyari Dam, Nagar

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A view of Karoonjhar hills – A nesting habitat of Long-billed Vultures

Spotted owlet in the Project Area

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Rose ringed-Parakeet in the Project Area

Interaction of local community with Survey team at Malji jo Wandhio

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A large Indian Peafowl colony was observed near Shardro Mandar in Karoonjhar Hills

Colony of Indian Peafowl was observed at Rama Pir temple- Kasbo Village

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Colony of Indian peafowl was observed at Shiv Temple- Kasbo Village

A typical village View at Nagarparkar

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A typical view of Village life at Nagar

A herd-man with his cow herd at Nagarparkar

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Disclaimer: This Baseline Study Report was made possible with support from the American people delivered through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Baanhn Beli and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of USAID or the U.S. Government.

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