Coimbatore Organization Promotes Traditional Remedies for Vulture Conservation on International Vulture Awareness Dayщ

Coimbatore, India – On September 6, 2025, International Vulture Awareness Day, the Coimbatore-based nature conservation organization Arulagam organized an interactive session in Solagar Doddi, Tamil Nadu. The event aimed to raise awareness among livestock farmers and artificial insemination agents about vulture conservation and to encourage the use of traditional remedies in livestock care.

The initiative focuses on natural treatments for common livestock ailments, with the goal of reducing the reliance on veterinary drugs that pose a significant threat to vulture populations. Ethnoveterinary expert Punniyamurthy demonstrated natural healing methods using ingredients such as turmeric, pepper, and other indigenous components. These traditional approaches are intended to decrease the use of pharmaceuticals like diclofenac, aceclofenac, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are known to be toxic to vultures. The widespread use of NSAIDs, particularly diclofenac, has been identified as the primary cause of a catastrophic decline in vulture populations across India, with some species experiencing losses exceeding 99%.

Despite the Indian government banning the veterinary use of diclofenac in 2007-2008, its illicit use continues to endanger these vital scavengers. Arulagam's secretary, S. Bharathidasan, emphasized the value of native medicinal practices and cautioned against the use of poisoned bait, urging the community to report any instances of vulture mortality. Farmers present also raised concerns about insurance claim regulations for cattle deaths, highlighting that carcasses are a crucial food source for vultures.

To further disseminate information, Arulagam distributed educational pamphlets and provided veterinary herbal first-aid kits to insemination agents and local residents. Arulagam has a history of engaging in vulture conservation awareness, including a similar program in 2024 at a government school within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. The critical role of vultures as nature's clean-up crew, recycling nutrients and preventing disease spread, is often overlooked. Their decline has led to cascading effects, including an increase in feral dog populations, which has been linked to a rise in rabies cases and associated economic losses.

These community-focused efforts by Arulagam are instrumental in educating local populations about sustainable livestock management and the ecological significance of vultures. By promoting traditional, vulture-safe remedies and reducing the use of harmful veterinary drugs, such initiatives are vital for the ongoing conservation of vulture species in Tamil Nadu and across India, contributing to a healthier ecosystem by ensuring the survival of these essential avian scavengers.