Update

In 2008, two oriental white-backed vulture chicks succesfully fledged in one of the captive breeding centres in India - the first captive breeding of this species in the world.
In 2006, the Indian government announced a manufacturing ban of diclofenac within three months and shortly afterwards, the Nepalese authorities halted the dmoestic manufacture and import of diclofenac. Then, significantly, in August 2008, the Drug Controller General of India took a further step, making sale and use of the drug illegal. To prevent vets using human diclofenac for livestock, the Government announced that all stocks of the drug must be labelled as 'not for veterinary use'.

What do we hope to achieve?

We need to raise money urgently to save these magnificent birds.

Until diclofenac stops being used for cattle in Asia these birds need to be bred in captivity, to be released only when it is safe for them in the wild once more.

We are also working hard and supporting our BirdLife partners to help rid the market of diclofenac for veterinary use by showing farmers there are other solutions just as effective at treating their cattle.

Find out more

• The problem of diclofenac
• Captive breeding - the only option
• Campaign news

Their decline has been quicker than that of the dodo - now is our chance to prevent them from suffering the same fate

Why we need your help

1. we will breed captive vultures, in a safe environment with clean food
2. we will work with our BirdLife partners to lobby governments and raise awareness in India, Pakistan and Nepal, to make sure the diclofenac bans are effective in time to prevent total extinction
3. in 10 or 15 years' time, we will reintroduce the captive birds to a safer world