International Vulture Awareness Day 2026 Observed in Panchkula

# International Vulture Awareness Day 2026 Observed in Panchkula ### Why in News? **International Vulture Awareness Day 2026** was observed in Panchkula, Haryana, with a national workshop focused on India’s vulture conservation efforts. ### Key Details - The day is observed annually on the **first Saturday of September**. - Vultures are often called **nature’s cleanup crew** because they rapidly consume carcasses and help reduce the spread of disease. - The 2026 workshop theme was **‘From Crisis to Recovery – Conserving India’s Vultures’**. - Participating organisations included **MoEFCC, Central Zoo Authority, Haryana Forest & Wildlife Department, BNHS and Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre**. ### Exam Connect - **Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre** → Pinjore, Haryana → India’s first centre dedicated to breeding and conservation of Gyps vultures - **Central Zoo Authority** → statutory body under MoEFCC