Two-Day Thematic Training on Vulture Conservation Concludes at Assam Forest School

A CORRESPONDENT

PALASBARI: A two-day thematic training on ‘Vulture Conservation and its rescue’ was concluded at Assam Forest School on Tuesday. Jogen Chandra Kalita, Professor of Zoology and former dean of the Faculty of Science at Gauhati University, attended the event as chief guest and discussed women empowerment in conservation leadership. A total of 44 participants, mostly from vulnerable districts like Kamrup, Kamrup Metro, Sivasagar, and Baksa participated. The training was funded by APFBC. 

Sachin Ranade and Aniket Pawar from VCBC provided information on vulture identification, their role, rescue, and post-release monitoring. For the hands-on training on vulture handling and for the interaction with the community involved in vulture conservation, an exposure visit to VCBC, Rani was also organized. Jayashree Naiding, IFS, briefed about the issues and challenges in vulture conservation with special focus on the Sivasagar district. Dimpi Bora, Director, Assam Forest School, Jalukbari, discussed vulture conservation efforts in Kamrup West Division, describing her systematic approach to poisoning issues through community engagement, youth involvement, and collaboration with social workers, scientists, and forest staff.

“A quick response team, mass awareness programme, and proactive actions such as plantation and honouring the hard-working staff, were my initiatives that changed the picture, assuring a safe abode for vultures,” Bora said. The second day included a field visit to the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) at Rani. The training concluded with a valedictory session attended by Jayanta Nath, Working Plan Officer, LAC.

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