Vultures protection in focus at Sharjah forum
sharjah — Protection of vultures was a major topic of discussion at the ongoing 18th Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabia’s Biodiversity (SICFAB).
Held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the SICFAB Forum, which began on Tuesday, is being attended by over 160 international participants.
Organised by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), the four-day workshop will discuss ways to conserve the endangered species of vulture and other species from extinction in the coming days.
“Vultures are among the most important species of migratory birds. Loss of these species can have serious consequences for ecosystems and human populations alike. As such, it is important to invest in vulture conservation to keep the environment clean and safe for humans,” said Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, chairperson of the EPAA.
Vultures are among the most important species of migratory birds. It is important to invest in vulture conservation.” Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA
Sharjah hopes to boost its role in conserving vultures, by implementing breeding of the bird species in the nation. The forum highlighted five vulture species in the Middle East: bearded vulture, Egyptian vulture, cinereous vulture, griffon vulture and lappet-faced vulture. Each of these species is close to extinction.
“Vultures are incredibly important because of the role they play. They feed on dead carcasses, thus providing free sanitation services to the environment,” said Andre Botha, Birds of Prey Programme manager, Endangered Wildlife Trust. “The decline in vultures is up to 99 per cent. This forum is a great platform to discuss and create an international approach that will help conserve the endangered species,” said Dr. Jose Tavares, director of Vulture Conservation Foundation.
Electrocutions, accidental poisoning, illegal shooting, collision with power lines, construction of large power infrastructure have all led the population of vultures to plummet.
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