INDIA’S FIRST NATIONAL VULTURE SURVEY REVEALS SHARP DECLINE IN HISTORICAL NESTING SITES

INDIA’S FIRST NATIONAL VULTURE SURVEY REVEALS SHARP DECLINE IN HISTORICAL NESTING SITES

Introduction

India’s first systematic nationwide assessment of critically endangered vultures has revealed an alarming decline in their nesting habitats. According to the survey conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India, vultures have disappeared from nearly 70–72 per cent of their historical nesting sites across the country. The report highlights the continued ecological vulnerability of India’s scavenger bird populations despite conservation measures and the ban on veterinary diclofenac.The findings were released under the report titled “Pan India Assessment and Monitoring of Endangered Species – Vultures” during the Annual Research Seminar of WII in association with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NATIONAL SURVEY

The assessment was conducted between 2023 and 2025 and focused on four critically endangered resident breeding vulture species listed by the IUCN.

Species Covered in the Survey

Across India, scientists recorded:

• Fewer than 2,500 nests
• Around 216 nesting sites
• Spread across 17 states
• Estimated maximum of nearly 4,800 breeding adults

The report observed that:

• Nearly 58 per cent nests belonged to the Indian Vulture
• Around 39 per cent belonged to the White-rumped Vulture

DECLINE IN HISTORICAL NESTING SITES

Major Findings

The nationwide survey confirmed that:

• Nearly 70 per cent of historical nesting sites are no longer active
• Resident breeding populations are now highly localised
• Most active nesting sites are confined to Protected Areas (PAs)

Researchers noted that once vultures disappear from a nesting landscape, natural recolonisation remains extremely slow and uncertain.

SPECIES-WISE ANALYSIS

Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus)

The Indian Vulture emerged as the most widespread surviving species.Key observations:

• Found nesting at 110 sites across 10 states
• Estimated 2,758 breeding adults
• Largest known colony located along the Chambal River Gorge in Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve
• Significant nesting increase recorded in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

The species remains concentrated mainly in:

• Madhya Pradesh
• Rajasthan
• Maharashtra

Researchers attributed comparatively better survival to:

• well-managed habitats,
• availability of food,
• lower human disturbances within protected landscapes.

White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)

The White-rumped Vulture, once widely distributed across India, has suffered a dramatic range contraction.Key observations:

• Recorded in only 12 states
• Around 945 nests documented
• Approximately 1,890 breeding adults
• Nearly 67 per cent population concentrated in Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh

However:

• Only around 13 per cent of historically known nesting sites remain active
• Habitat disturbance and loss of nesting trees continue to threaten survival.

Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)

The Slender-billed Vulture has witnessed one of the steepest declines.Important findings:

• No nests found at any of the 47 historical nesting sites
• Breeding now restricted to Upper Assam
• Only around 40 individuals recorded
• Active nesting reported at merely 20 sites

The report highlighted that:

• deforestation,
• habitat loss on private lands,
• secondary poisoning from pesticide-laced carcasses,

continue to endanger the species.Field observations revealed that the species predominantly nests on Bombax ceiba (Silk Cotton Trees), making conservation of large canopy trees critically important.

Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus)

The solitary and territorial Red-headed Vulture was recorded nesting only within protected forest areas.Key findings:

• Five active nests recorded
• Mainly concentrated in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
• Population remains highly scattered and fragmented

ROLE OF PROTECTED AREAS

The report underlined the growing importance of Protected Areas in sustaining India’s remaining vulture populations.

Important Observations

• More than 60 per cent nests are located within Protected Areas
• Madhya Pradesh alone accounted for over half of active nests
• Central and north-western India now form the principal vulture strongholds

This demonstrates that relatively undisturbed forest habitats continue to provide:

• secure nesting locations,
• food availability,
• reduced anthropogenic pressures.

CARCASS DUMP SITES AND EMERGING THREATS

The study also surveyed major livestock carcass dump sites across states including:

• Rajasthan
• Punjab
• Gujarat
• Uttar Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Jammu and Kashmir
• Himachal Pradesh
• Jharkhand
• West Bengal

Major Concerns Identified

Feral Dogs

Researchers observed increasing dominance of feral dogs at carcass disposal sites, which:

• obstruct vultures from accessing carrion,
• alter scavenging behaviour,
• reduce feeding opportunities.

Toxic Veterinary Drugs

Despite the ban on diclofenac, toxic residues and secondary poisoning remain major threats.The report stressed:

• regulation of carcass quality,
• monitoring of NSAID contamination,
• ensuring safe feeding zones for vultures.

ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF VULTURES

Vultures play an indispensable role as natural scavengers.

Ecological Functions

• Rapid carcass disposal
• Prevention of disease transmission
• Reduction in environmental contamination
• Limitation of feral dog population growth
• Maintenance of ecosystem sanitation

The decline of vultures can indirectly contribute to:

• rise in feral dog populations,
• increased rabies risk,
• spread of zoonotic diseases.

CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE OF THE REPORT

The survey provides India’s first comprehensive national baseline on:

• active nesting locations,
• breeding populations,
• habitat distribution,
• emerging threats.

The information collected, including:

• GPS coordinates,
• habitat type,
• nesting tree species,
• protection status,

has now been integrated into the National Vulture Database for long-term monitoring and conservation planning.Lead author R. Suresh Kumar described the findings as crucial for identifying priority conservation landscapes and guiding future interventions.

NECESSARY STATIC PART

Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

Updated - 04 November 2025 ; 05:46 PM | Times of India, Down To Earth