(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Vultures are among the most important species of migratory birds. 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.
According to 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 and by doing so they provide free sanitation services to the environment. However, it has been noted that these vultures are disappearing from certain parts of the world," said Andre Botha, Birds of Prey Programme Manager, Endangered Wildlife Trust.
"The decline is up to 99 per cent. This forum is a great platform for experts and industry leaders to discuss and create an international approach with coordinated efforts 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 and wind turbines, construction of large power infrastructure and low level persecution have all led the population of vultures to plummet.
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