India’s first nationwide survey on vultures has been released by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

About the Vulture Census

• The survey, titled “Pan-India Assessment and Monitoring of Endangered Species – Vultures”, is India’s first systematic national assessment of vulture nesting populations.
• Conducted by: Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) between 2023 and 2025.
• Coverage: Survey covered 216 sites in 17 states with focus on four critically endangered IUCN species of Vulture.
  • White-rumped Vulture, 
  • Indian Vulture, 
  • Slender-billed Vulture, and 
  • Red-headed Vulture.
• Key Findings:
  • It recorded around  2,500 nests and an estimated 4,800 breeding adults. 
  • It revealed a 70% decline in historical nesting sites.
    • Nearly 54% of all active nests lie within protected areas, underscoring their conservation importance.
  • Indian Vulture accounted for 58% of nests, mainly in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra., while 39% were of the tree-nesting white-rumped vulture
  • White-rumped Vulture concentrated in Kangra Valley (Himachal Pradesh), with 67% of its nests there.
  • Slender-billed Vulture nesting found only in Upper Assam (40 individuals at 20 sites).
  • Red-headed Vulture observed nesting only in protected areas of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

About Vultures

• Introduction: Vultures are large scavenging raptors vital to ecological health through efficient carcass disposal and disease control.
• Ecological Role: They prevent spread of zoonotic diseases like anthrax and rabies by rapidly consuming carcasses, maintaining ecosystem hygiene and nutrient cycling.
• Threats:
• • Diclofenac poisoning from livestock carcasses.
  • Habitat loss and deforestation, particularly nesting tree loss.
  • Food scarcity due to carcass dumping restrictions.
  • Secondary poisoning from pesticides and toxic chemicals.
  • Disturbance in breeding areas and declining safe habitats.
    

Vultures of India

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Steps taken for Conservation of Vultures

• Ban on veterinary diclofenac (2006) , a major step against vulture poisoning.
• Establishment of Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs) in multiple states.
• Creation of Vulture Breeding Centres at Pinjore (Haryana), Rajabhatkhawa (WB), and Rani (Assam).
• Carcass management and safe food availability through “Vulture Restaurants”.
• Inclusion under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Schedule I) ensuring highest legal protection.
• National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2020–2025) focusing on monitoring, awareness, and veterinary drug regulation.

Conclusion

The 2023–2025 survey exposes the fragile recovery and habitat dependence of India’s vultures. Conservation must prioritise habitat protection, drug regulation, and food security to prevent further collapse of these crucial scavengers.

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