Wayanad vulture survey documents 65 birds in Kerala hotspot

A vulture survey conducted in Wayanad, Kerala has identified 65 birds across the region, providing crucial data on the population status of these scavenging raptors that play a vital ecological role. The survey was jointly undertaken by the Kerala Forest Department, Wayanad Wildlife Division, WWF-India, and the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology.

Vultures have faced severe population declines across the Indian subcontinent over the past two decades, primarily due to the use of veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac in livestock treatment. The coordinated monitoring effort in Wayanad reflects growing recognition of the need to track remaining populations and understand species distribution patterns.

The collaboration between government agencies and conservation organisations underscores the region's importance as a vulture habitat. Wayanad, with its forested landscape and wildlife reserves, provides suitable conditions for various vulture species that depend on open landscapes and carrion availability.

The data gathered from this survey is expected to inform conservation strategies and management practices in the Western Ghats ecosystem. Continued monitoring of vulture populations is considered essential for assessing the effectiveness of protection measures and identifying emerging threats to these species.