Two-Day Coordinated Vulture Survey Launches in Southern India
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Synopsis
A two-day vulture census is underway in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, focusing on monitoring populations in seven protected areas with the involvement of experts and volunteers.
Key Takeaways
- Two-day synchronised vulture census launched.
- Involves Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
- Focus on 106 locations across three states.
- Training provided for accurate data collection.
- Positive trends in vulture populations noted.
Chennai, Feb 27 (NationPress) A two-day coordinated vulture survey has begun in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, spanning 106 sites across these states.
The purpose of the survey is to track vulture populations in seven protected areas known for hosting these avian species.
A statement from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden of Tamil Nadu reveals that the census is being conducted with the help of forest department staff, vulture specialists, NGOs, students, and volunteers.
In Tamil Nadu, the survey is taking place at 33 locations with the participation of around 220 individuals.
As part of the preparation for the census, meetings were held with field officers from the three states to coordinate logistics, locations, and methodologies.
The survey employs two primary techniques: the vantage point count and the nest-count method.
Training and orientation were provided to volunteers to guarantee accurate data collection.
A similar vulture survey conducted in 2024 across the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), which includes Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, documented over 300 vultures.
This survey covered significant protected areas, including Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Tiger Reserve, Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Nellai Forest Division.
The Mudumalai-Sathyamangalam-Bandipur-Wayanad complex within the NBR accounted for more than 82 percent of the vultures recorded.
In the February 2023 census, 246 vultures were identified. By December 2023, this number rose to 320, indicating a positive trend in vulture conservation efforts.
The highest concentrations were noted in Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserves in Tamil Nadu.
The December 2023 survey identified the following vulture species: 217 critically endangered white-rumped vultures (Gyps bengalensis), 47 long-billed vultures (Gyps indicus), 50 Asian king vultures (Sarcogyps calvus), four endangered Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus), and two near-threatened Himalayan griffon vultures (Gyps himalayensis).
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve hosts three main vulture species: white-rumped vultures, long-billed vultures, and Asian king vultures.
With vulture populations reflecting a steady increase, the synchronized census will aid in further conservation initiatives and provide essential data for the protection of these crucial scavengers within the ecosystem.
