Vulture Conservation Centre Threatened With Closure

The Himalayan Raptor Rescue Centre, based near Pokhara in Nepal, is threatened with closure by the Nepali Government following a misguided campaign in the local press that birds are being held captive against their will.

Founder of the centre, Londoner Scott Mason, is an experiened falconer who rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured and mistreated birds of prey. Birds that are unable to be released due to their dependence on human care are promoted as ambassadors for Scott's efforts to save Asia's raptors.

Bird of prey populations in Asia, particularly vultures, are declining at terrifying rates due primarily to the use of veterinary and other chemical products that are fatal if ingested by the birds as they scavenge at livestock carcasses.

In addition to his falconry skills, Scott is a renowned paraglider and has trained rescued birds to fly alongside him in the air. By promoting his love of birds and of flying he has introduced countless visitors to Nepal to the amazing experience of soaring alongside black kites and Egyptian vultures, giving a unique perspective of the beauty of these birds and an understanding of the threats facing them in the wild.

The Himalayan Raptor Rescue Centre, the only such dedicated facility in Nepal, is now fighting for survival as those with no knowledge of caring for birds of prey campaign to get the organisation banned. The existance of Asia's vulture population hangs in the balance.

Find out more and show your support for the work of the Himalayan Raptor Rescue Centre by following these links...

http://www.himalayanraptorrescue.org/

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/Parahawking?ref=nf

http://www.parahawking.com/