Vulture Conservation Project
Key species
Vulture species
Location
NE Bangladesh
Status
Active
Duration
2024 – present
Target community
Local people | Policy
About the project
The Vulture Conservation Project supports the rescue, rehabilitation and long-term conservation of threatened vulture species in Bangladesh. Since 2024, SCOPE Foundation has been providing technical support to the Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) and IUCN Bangladesh for the Himalayan Griffon Vulture Rescue and Rehabilitation Programme. SCOPE is also developing a community-based vulture conservation centre — “Sakun-Tola”, aimed at combining livelihood support for the Munda community with nesting monitoring and eco-tourism-based conservation.
Previously, SCOPE implemented the “Conservation of the Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture in Bangladesh” project, funded by ASAP, in collaboration with BEDS Bangladesh and IUCN Bangladesh, focusing on poison-bait surveys, awareness campaigns and transboundary collaboration.
The problem
– poisoning, habitat loss and disturbance threaten vulture populations in Bangladesh
– limited rescue and rehabilitation infrastructure for injured Himalayan Griffons
– low community awareness and engagement in vulture conservation
The cause
– widespread use of toxic substances and poisoning incidents (including poison-baiting) affecting vultures and other scavengers
– limited capacity, coordination and infrastructure for vulture rescue, rehabilitation and post-rescue management
– low community awareness and few livelihood-linked incentives to protect nesting areas and reduce threats
The solution
– provide technical support to rescue and rehabilitation centres
– strengthen capacity of volunteers and local stakeholders
– establish a community-based conservation centre linking livelihoods and nesting protection
– conduct awareness and anti-poisoning initiatives
Project Goal
To strengthen rescue, rehabilitation and community-based conservation of vultures in Bangladesh
Project Objectives
– strengthen rescue, rehabilitation and release support for Himalayan Griffons in collaboration with BFD and IUCN Bangladesh
– improve capacity of rescue centres and train local volunteers in safe rescue and rehabilitation practices
– establish “Sakun-Tola” as a community-based vulture conservation centre integrating livelihood support, nesting monitoring and eco-tourism in NE Bangladesh
– reduce poisoning risks through field surveys, awareness and cross-border collaboration where relevant
Activities
– improve and support three vulture rescue centres
– provide technical guidance and capacity-building for local volunteers
– develop “Sakun-Tola” as a community-based conservation hub
– conduct poison-bait surveys and awareness campaigns
Outcomes
Rescue and rehabilitation capacity for Himalayan Griffons has been strengthened through improved facilities and trained personnel. Community engagement initiatives are underway to integrate local livelihoods with vulture conservation. The project contributes to national and transboundary efforts to protect threatened vulture species in Bangladesh.
Meet the Team
SCOPE conservation team
Field Implementation
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