Pokhara, November 6. The National Vulture Symposium 2025 was successfully organized at Hotel Rudrakshya, Lakeside, Pokhara, bringing together national and international vulture experts, conservationists, policy makers and other stakeholders to discuss vulture research and conservation efforts in Nepal.
Jointly hosted by Pokhara Bird Society, Himalayan Anusandhan Kendra and Bird Conservation Nepal, the event featured the launch of the symposium’s abstract book and a poster of the Egyptian Vulture. The inauguration was led by Chief Guest Mr. Mohan Raj Kafle, Secretary at the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Industry, Gandaki Province, alongside Program Chair Mr. Manshanta Ghimire, President of Pokhara Bird Society.
International delegates Prof. Dr. Patricia Mateo-Tomás and prof. Dr. Jose Vicente Lopez-Boa from CSIC-University of Oviedo, Spain, attended as special guests, and delivered keynote speech highlighting the global significance of vulture research and conservation implications using modern technology like satellite tagging and tracking.
Chris Bowden from SAVE and RSPB also delivered keynote speech on how the SAVE partnership working together in the vulture research and conservation in Asia. DB Chaudhary, Jatayu Restaurant Management Committee, Nawalaparis presented the keynote speech on Participatory Conservation approach and its achievements.
The symposium welcomed participants from a wide range of institutions including NTNC, ACAP, Division Forest Office, Pokhara Metropolitan City, Prithvi Narayan Campus, Gandaki University, Pokhara International Airport, Jatayu Restaurant (Ghachowk and Nawalpur), and IOF Pokhara Campus.
A total of 49 participants engaged in the event, with 3 keynote speakers, 18 in-person paper presentations, and 3 online presenters. The gathering served as a vital platform for sharing research, fostering collaboration, and reinforcing Nepal’s commitment to protecting endangered vulture species.