Union Cabinet approves MoU for the conservation of raptors

 

ಜ್ಞಾನಸೆಲೆ GK4KPSC ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ ಜ್ಞಾನ

The Union Cabinet, presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has  approved the signing of  Raptor MoU which aims to promote internationally coordinated actions to conserve and reserve the decline of birds of prey in Africa and Eurasia. Raptor or bird of prey include species such as eagles, kites, vultures, hawks and owls.

With the signing of the MoU, India will become the 54th country to sign an international agreement aimed at conserving raptors. Among India’s neighbours, Pakistan and Nepal are already signatories to the agreement.

Raptors are facing a variety of human-induced threats such as habitat loss and degradation, illegal shooting and poisoning, collisions with aerial structures and electrocution by power lines.

Key facts about the MoU :

• Raptor MOU is also in conformity with the provisions of the existing Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, in which the birds have been accorded protection.
• The Raptors MoU extends its coverage to 76 species of birds of prey out of which 46 species, including vultures, falcons, eagles, owls, hawks, kites, harriers, etc. also occur in India.
• The CMS or Bonn Convention, under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aims to conserve migratory species throughout their range. India had become a party to the CMS since November 1, 1983.