"Plans to protect vultures from the age old stigma they carry are being drawn up by a group of conservators. There are three species of vultures in Myanmar. Certain communities regard the birds as unlucky and link them to death, according to The Myanmar Times. The Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association said the endangered vultures need to be protected due to their important role in the ecosystem. The three species are the white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) and red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calyus). Daw Thiri Dawei Aung of the association said it was a pity vultures were judged by looks and that there were misplaced beliefs by the people. She said in certain neighbouring countries, vultures were apparently poisoned, based on findings of drugs in the carcass-es of livestock on which they feed. “We don’t know if this is happening in Myanmar, but we will be conducting a survey about it.” There were also instances of people destroying their nests, she said. Daw gave an assurance, however, that the association will push its conservation plans next year and work on identify-ing important sites for the project. So far, the group has chosen two sites in Shan and Kachin states that could serve as safe havens for vultures..."