Space for them, too

KATHMANDU: They are shouting for our attention, urging us to let them live safely with a promise to make humans life safe in return. It’s a promise expressed in a photo exhibition titled ‘Save Vultures, Save Environment’ at the Nepal Art Council which started from April 25.

Inaugurated by Shyam Bajimaya, Director of Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation Nepal, this exhibition is the first solo photo exhibition of photo-journalist Krishna Mani Baral, who is based in Pokhara and associated with The Himalayan Times and Annapurna Post.

The photographer has tried to depict the state of vultures within Pokhara and its surroundings in 52 photographs.
One photograph shows a vulture flying in the sky with mountains and forest in the background. It seems as though it is enjoying nature to its fullest, free from all kinds of danger. But a glance at another picture shows a dead vulture who has perished as it perched on a naked wire. This at once makes us realise that happiness is momentary.
Vultures are no more safe as they have to struggle against manmade technology. Another picture of a vulture sitting on top of an electric pole reflects the pitiful condition of these endangered species.
Generally, vultures live on tall trees like the simal, which have been destroyed by rapid deforestation that has forced them to choose tall electric poles as alternative homes.
Though abandoned by human society as these scavengers survive on carcass, this bird contributes to nature by eating the carcass which otherwise could create disposal problems.
One photograph showcases vultures enjoying a carcass of a calf, which shows the bird’s help to keep the environment clean.

Not only do these photographs generate sympathy among visitors, but also tend to make them aware to save this species.
Devendra Upreti, one of the visitors said, “After looking at these photos I have realised the real importance of vultures in nature and also the poor condition they are in.”
This exhibition is the outcome of Baral’s collection of photos of vultures from the last four years. This collection has photos of six different species of vultures, among them many are on the endangered species list of IUCN.
Baral said, “I am happy to be a part of nature conservation as I hope my photos will convey the message to save vultures through this exhibition.”
By The Himalayan Times