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  Mike Pandey
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WILDFILMNEWS

Posted Online

Mike Pandey stops vultures vanishing

One of the world's most devastating extinctions has been halted - thanks to Mike Pandey, one of India's most accomplished wildlife filmmakers, and his films "Broken Wings" and "Vanishing Vultures".

The Indian sub-continent did have the highest density of vultures in the world - 85 million in total. However, over the past few years 99% have disappeared - mostly due to the use of the veterinary drug Diclofenac.

The loss of such an important scavenger has had devastating effects - putrefying decomposing carcasses are thought to be the cause of anthrax and rabies outbreaks. The extinction of this species would have global health consequences.

 

The Indian sub-continent did have the highest density of vultures in the world - 85 million in total. However, over the past few years 99% have disappeared - mostly due to the use of the veterinary drug Diclofenac. The loss of such an important scavenger has had devastating effects - putrefying decomposing carcasses are thought to be the cause of anthrax and rabies outbreaks. The extinction of this species would have global health consequences.

The film was premiered at the British Council in March, and has since been broadcast in 15 different languages on the national network - along with special screenings for the Prime Minister and other key politicians. There has been an immediate reaction from the public and national press. The films also appeal to farmers - many, previously unaware of the problem, have now switched to a safer alternative to the drug.

Manufacture and sale of the drug Diclofenac has been banned with immediate effect nationwide - to give the remaining 1% of vultures a fighting chance of survival.

Kiran Choudhry, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Forests, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Government of Haryana, Chandigarh stated:
"Broken Wings & Vanishing Vultures was a brilliant tool for advocacy and this success proves once again how powerful films can be. It was central to the advocacy efforts as it spoke from the heart and touched all those who saw it."0

For this article online, please visit:

http://www.widlfilmnews.org/displayNewsArticle.php?block_id=332

 

 
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