| Project Title:
One Health Approach for Conserving Critically Endangered Vultures and Hyena in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu |
Project Location:
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| Project Brief:
The Nilgiri-Moyar landscape in Tamil Nadu supports viable populations of three Critically Endangered vulture species - the White-rumped Vulture, Long-billed Vulture, and Red-headed Vulture, alongside the Endangered Striped Hyena, which together serve as apex sanitary workers and obligate scavengers. However, this ecosystem faces a complex crisis at the intersection of environmental, animal, and human health. The decline of vultures has created an ecological void, leading to a surge in feral dog populations that are now competing with, and leading to the physical displacement of vultures. This has led to a heightened risk of zoonotic disease transmission to both people and wildlife alike. Vultures also face severe mortality risks from the use of toxic Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in the veterinary market, as well as retaliatory carcass poisoning by marginalised farmers trying to protect their livestock from predators. Building on twelve years of experience, this project aims to secure a functional Vulture Safe Zone by addressing interconnected threats. Key interventions include mitigating toxic NSAID’s usage, preventing retaliatory carcass poisoning, and managing the risk of zoonotic disease spread through anti-rabies vaccination and advocacy for Animal Birth Control. By involving indigenous communities as primary health and One Health Guardians, the project will bridge the gap between grassroots action and institutional policy. This integrated model not only protects three flagship species from extinction, but also restores the natural carcass-disposal system, ensuring a safer, healthier environment for both wildlife and people. |
Project Objectives:
The project has the following objectives:
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This flagship grant will primarily reach out to mid to large sized field work oriented organisations to create a two-way partnership for our common cause of conservation. This grant is directed towards the running costs of on-ground projects. The grant should enable the creation of a sustainable and replicable conservation model to address some of the key conservation issues in India.
This first of its kind initiative aims to secure and regenerate the overlooked and unaddressed habitats of the country that are in urgent need of conservation attention. These lesser-known habitats are home to an array of biodiversity, and serve as important connections between key wildlife landscapes and as havens for dispersal populations from the "celebrity" parks. Through the lesser-known habitats grant, we hope to secure and bring into the limelight these vital habitats.
In recent years, a great deal of attention has been given to the "glamour" species of the country such as tigers, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Unfortunately, several of our equally endangered species have not received the same level of conservation support. This unique grant aims to support conservationists working to secure a future for our lesser-known endangered species.
Across the country there are grassroots conservationists working dedicatedly, with little to no support, to protect our biodiversity. The work they do in their individual capacity has a huge positive impact on conservation in the country. This grant aims to recognize these conservation heroes and provide them a platform to expand their activities and garner further support for their work.
Successfully submitted applications and projects will be screened for eligibility, relevance of answers and authenticity of information. A team of experts, including sector specialists and external auditors, evaluate successful entries on the following parameters:
• Applicant Profile: Based on past performance and credentials, capacity to deliver, financial management, program management and other such criteria.
• Project Profile: Based on statement of need, clarity of objectives, measurability of impact, innovation, strategy and approaches, replicability, stakeholder participation, scalability and sustainability.
At the end of the First Level Screening and Shortlisting round 24 applications, 6 in each category, will move forward for Field Level Verification.
The Habitats Trust team will visit the proposed project locations to verify if details provided by the applicant are true to fact. Along with a Sub-Jury, The Habitats Trust team will shortlist twelve proposals, three in each category, move to the Jury Round. The work of all the applicants shortlisted for the Jury round will be published in The Habitats Trust Grants compendium, as a tribute to their efforts and achievements. Disseminated widely by HCL, this provides national and international visibility to the applicants.
The twelve shortlisted applicants, three in each category, will be invited to present their proposed projects in person to our Jury of eminent conservationists at the Jury Round. Recipients of The Habitats Trust Grants will be announced at a Felicitation Event the next day.