The number of vultures around Pokhara increased by 22 percent

According to Manshant Ghimire, the president of Pokhara Panchhi Samaj, the Panchhi Samaj located here, like every year, counted vultures in the surrounding areas of Pokhara. He informed that in the year 2023, 387 vultures were added, this year this number has increased to 471. During the study, the number of vultures was found to have increased in Tanahun area as well, he said.

Ghachok, Bachhebuduwa, Pumdi-Bhumdi, Vijayapur River Corridor, Lameahal and Gachepani, Sishuwa/Bhateri and Damauli Landfillsites in Tanahun were counted by separate teams at eight places at the same time, said Ghimire. In the

calculation, the white vulture, which is on the endangered vulture list, has increased the most, while the number of golden vulture, little brown vulture and paddy vulture, which is on the critically endangered list, has also seen a moderate increase. King Vulture Studies have shown that if the status quo is maintained, the Himalayan vulture will decrease.

The government has implemented the 'Vulture Conservation Action Plan 2023-2029' for vulture conservation. Also, the organizations involved in the protection of birds and wildlife across the country have organized various programs and celebrated the International Vulture Awareness Day.

Since 2063, Ghimire informed that the number of vultures is gradually increasing with the ban of 'Diclofenac' (a drug used in the treatment of animals) which is considered very harmful to vultures. He said that the number of deaths caused by pesticides, high voltage and electric wires in China has increased continuously. The society has been increasing the number of vultures around Pokhara since 2017.