THE SAFE ZONE

Vultures are in decline the world over, but in Nepal, designated safe zones are helping their recovery

- GRAEME GREEN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Graeme Green is a British photographer, journalist and travel writer. His work around the world takes in a variety of wildlife and outdoor adventures, often with a sharp focus on cultural and global issues. Find out more at graeme-green.com.

IT'S AN IMPORTANT STEP," says Ishana Thapa, CEO of Bird Conservation Nepal. "After all our efforts, to have been proven scientifically as the first ever Vulture Safe Zone is quite an achievement. It's the first in the world."

There hasn't been much good news for the world's rapidly declining vulture populations in the past few decades. But the recent announcement of the first ever Vulture Safe Zone (VSZ) in Nepal offers a glimmer of hope for the raptors, and could be key to securing their future.

The Gandaki-Lumbini VSZ encompasses 7,500km² in south-west Nepal, the buffer zone taking in Chitwan National Park. "In the same way people have a protected area for tigers or other animals, a Vulture Safe Zone is a protected area for vultures," Thapa explains.

There are 23 vulture species in the world. These often underrated birds have experienced 90-99 per cent declines throughout Asia and serious declines in many African countries. In Asia and Africa, more than half the resident vulture species are now listed as critically endangered.

Where is Nepal's Vulture Safe Zone?

Covering a large area of south-west Nepal, GandakiLumbini VSZ takes in part of the country's Chitwan National Park.