Vulture Census Kicks Off in Madhya Pradesh Today
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The vulture census in Madhya Pradesh begins today, employing visual surveys, carcass monitoring, and nest counts to assess the population of these vital birds. With over 10,000 vultures in the state, this bi-annual event is crucial for conservation efforts.
Key Takeaways
- The census is a count of vultures in Madhya Pradesh.
- Over 10,000 vultures reside in the state.
- Methods include visual surveys and nest counting.
- Vultures faced a major decline due to diclofenac.
- Panna National Park is a major sanctuary for vultures.
Bhopal, Feb 17 (NationPress) The high-altitude rocky regions of Madhya Pradesh are set to host a unique avian census starting Monday - a count of the vultures.
This three-day counting exercise will employ various methods, including visual surveys to spot these birds, monitoring carcasses to assess their feeding habits, and counting nests to understand their breeding.
These techniques work in tandem to provide an accurate estimate of the state's vulture population, which serves as vital guardians of the skies and had once faced the risk of extinction.
Currently, Panna National Park is home to a thriving population of vultures, boasting over a thousand individuals, a remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction. According to forest department officials, this census will now occur bi-annually, with the next one scheduled for April 29.
The counting will take place in the rugged highlands, focusing on vultures at rest. Interestingly, vultures can also be spotted in urban areas such as Bhopal and Indore, as well as in lush regions like Kanha Tiger Reserve and Pench National Park.
A dedicated team of nearly 900 individuals, including workers, officers, volunteers, and wildlife enthusiasts, will converge, their focus keenly set on a comprehensive program from January 27-31. These diligent experts will be the custodians of this avian count.
According to the forest department, Madhya Pradesh is home to approximately 10,000 vultures across various species. The largest population resides in Panna National Park, which is also renowned for its tiger population.
The vultures faced a severe decline due to the harmful effects of diclofenac, a drug present in the carcasses of treated livestock. By the mid-1990s, their numbers had plummeted from about 50 million to the brink of extinction, primarily due to this dangerous non-steroidal painkiller.
Among India's vulture species, the white-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, and red-headed vulture were particularly affected, with populations decreasing by 98%, 95%, and 91% respectively. The Egyptian vulture and the migratory griffon vulture also experienced significant, although less severe, declines.
