Landscape Management Practices in India Workshop, Wildlife Institute of India, New Delhi, May 2025
The Wildlife Research Institute of India organised a workshop on Landscape Management Practices in India. The three-day workshop, held from May 8 to 10 at the Habitat Centre in New Delhi, focused on the habitat of Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh and the measures needed to ensure the survival of endangered species—especially tigers, vultures, and crocodiles—and formulated an action plan. Scholars and forest officials discussed key initiatives being undertaken in various states across India.
I was invited to represent Arulagam and share my views on vulture conservation and had the privilege of participating.
It was at Panna National Park that I first had the opportunity to see vultures up close. At the invitation of Mr. K. Yoganand, who was conducting research on bears, I visited the park along with wildlife journalist Mr. S. Mohammed Ali and Mr. Amsa. The others stayed in the room while I walked to the nearby tribal settlement. At the gate, Ilupa tree flowers had been laid out to dry. Women were drawing water from a nearby pond and carrying it back. When they saw me, they covered their faces with their aprons. I walked further and sat for a while on a small hillock. A dead cow had been dragged from the village and left there.
Soon, I saw a flock of vultures arrive and land. I was amazed to see them competing to feed on the carcass. Wanting to share the moment, I went to call my friends. But by the time we returned—just two hours later—everything had been eaten. A few vultures were still perched on nearby branches. That evening, we went again with our friends and saw the same group on the banks of the Ken River.
When I later read the news that vultures were nearing extinction, that scene from Panna immediately came to mind. I had already written about it in the monthly magazine Puthyakalvi.
It was a meaningful opportunity in more ways than one—to participate in this workshop and share my ideas with everyone.
With Regards,
S Bharathidasan
Secretary, Arulagam.