Wed Sep 03 07:57:12 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article:
**Summary:**
An Assam-based foundation, We Foundation India, along with partners and Gauhati University, launched “The Vulture Network,” India’s first online portal dedicated to vulture conservation. Launched on September 2nd, ahead of International Vulture Awareness Day, the portal aims to connect conservationists, researchers, and the public, disseminating information (initially in Assamese) about vulture conservation and threats like poisoning, harmful drugs, and negative perceptions. The platform provides scientific data and outreach materials and emphasizes the critical situation of the slender-billed vulture. The launch event featured presentations by various experts and highlighted the importance of citizen science in conservation efforts.
**News Article:**
**India’s First Vulture Conservation Portal Launched in Assam**
GUWAHATI, September 3, 2025 – In a landmark move for wildlife preservation, an Assam-based foundation, We Foundation India, has unveiled “The Vulture Network,” a pioneering online portal dedicated to the conservation of India’s vultures. Launched on Tuesday, September 2nd, the platform aims to create a comprehensive network of individuals and organizations dedicated to saving these crucial scavenger birds.
Developed in collaboration with Gauhati University’s Department of Zoology and organizations like the Assam Bird Monitoring Network and LASA Foundation, the portal (http://www.thevulturenetwork.org) serves as a centralized hub for information, research, and outreach. It was launched ahead of International Vulture Awareness Day, observed annually on the first Saturday of September.
“The Vulture Network is designed to be a cloud-based knowledge platform on vultures in India,” explained Dr. Nilutpal Mahanta of We Foundation India. “Our goal is to compile scientific information, spread awareness, and provide freely downloadable materials for those involved in conservation efforts.”
A key focus of the portal is to disseminate information in local languages, starting with Assamese, to reach communities at the grassroots level and emphasize the vital role vultures play in their lives and the local economy. The platform will also address major threats to vulture populations, including carcass poisoning, the use of harmful veterinary drugs like diclofenac, and combating negative social perceptions.
The launch event drew together conservationists, researchers, scientists, academicians, and students to discuss the alarming decline in vulture populations, particularly the critically endangered slender-billed vulture, of which only about 800 mature individuals remain. Deputy Conservator of Forest Rohini Ballav Saikia and other dignitaries highlighted the urgency of the situation and the importance of collaborative action.
Rupam Bhaduri from the Assam Bird Monitoring Network underscored the need to actively engage citizens in data collection and monitoring through citizen science initiatives, ultimately contributing to the conservation of vultures and other endangered species. The Vulture Network represents a significant step towards a more informed and collaborative approach to protecting these vital members of India’s ecosystem.
First Piper 