11 June, 2012 (Kathmandu)- Annual highway transect survey of vultures across Terai lowland  following East West highway covering 1010 km from Kakarvitta in Jhapa to Gaddachowki of Kanchanpur has been recently completed. The survey is supported by Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Nepal and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), UK. The current survey observed 43 oriental white backed vultures. Around 205 vultures were observed in the first survey in 2002 but the numbers had declined to 55 by 2009. Conservationists today are claiming that the population of oriental white backed vulture has stabilized in western Nepal since 2009. Recent publication on population trend of vultures in Nepal show annual decline of 14% lower than the rate of decline in India and Pakistan.

The survey was conducted during May ina vehicle driven at a rate of 20 Km/h. This survey identifies and records all vultures sighted within 1000m of either side of the road. In addition to east-west highway, the team also surveyed the mountain routes of Palpa- Gulmi-Arghakhanchi-Pyuthan,  Doti- Dadeldhura- Baitadi- Darchula and Dang-Salyan-Rolpa.

‘Since the launch of the Vulture Conservation Action Plan by Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in 2009, BCN has helped to implement it across western Terai through community-based approach,’ explains Dr. Hum Gurung, Chief Executive Officer of BCN. Vulture conservation work in Nepal has been highlighted worldwide after the establishment of local community managed Vulture Safe Zones which is now extended in 18 districts covering areas of 32,657 square kilometers with the support of local government authorities and BCN.