Vulture Population Sees Alarming Decline in Indore’s Forest Reserves, Census Finds
मुख्य बातें
- •The 2024 vulture census in Indore forests recorded over 30% decline in Long-billed and White-rumped Vulture populations.
- •Critically Endangered species like Long-billed and White-rumped Vultures are most affected by the drop in numbers.
- •Habitat loss, reduced carcass availability, and continued use of diclofenac are major threats identified.
- •Conservationists urge stricter enforcement of wildlife laws and public awareness to protect vultures.
Indore, Madhya Pradesh – A recent vulture census conducted across the forest reserves of Indore has revealed a significant decline in the population of these critically important scavengers. The survey, carried out by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department in collaboration with local wildlife conservation groups, recorded a noticeable drop in vulture sightings compared to previous years. While the exact numbers are still being compiled, preliminary findings indicate a decline of over 30% in some species, particularly the Long-billed Vulture and the White-rumped Vulture, both of which are listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The census, which spanned several key forest areas including the Indore Forest Division and surrounding regions, was conducted over a two-week period in early June 2024. Teams of forest officials and volunteers used a combination of direct observation, camera traps, and nest monitoring to assess vulture presence and breeding success. The results have raised alarm among conservationists, who point to multiple factors contributing to the decline. These include habitat loss due to deforestation, reduced availability of carcasses due to stricter livestock disposal regulations, and the lingering impact of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) once widely used in veterinary medicine that is toxic to vultures.
