Vultures in India

GS 3 – Environment & Ecology

Overview

• Total Global Species: 23
• Species Found in India: 9
• Role: Scavengers, feeding on carrion, they prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases and maintain ecological balance.
• Nature: Highly social and often found in groups.

Conservation Status

Species	IUCN Status
White-rumped Vulture	Critically Endangered
Slender-billed Vulture	Critically Endangered
Long-billed Vulture	Critically Endangered
Red-headed Vulture	Critically Endangered
Egyptian Vulture	Endangered
Himalayan Griffon	Near Threatened
Cinereous Vulture	Near Threatened
Bearded Vulture	Near Threatened
Griffon Vulture	Least Concern

• CITES: Appendix II
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

Habitat & Distribution

• Preferred Habitats: Deserts, grasslands, savannas, and mountainous areas up to 3,000m.
• Near Water Sources: Commonly found near rivers or wetlands.
• Global Range: Absent in Australia and most oceanic islands.

Key Characteristics

• Physical Traits:
  • Medium to large size, with a heavy body and shaggy feathers.
  • Bald head and throat—aids in thermoregulation and hygiene.
  • Broad wings adapted for high soaring.
• Behaviour:
  • Soar using rising thermals, often circling at great heights.
• Feeding Habits:
  • Primarily consume carrion, sometimes garbage or excrement.
  • Rarely attack live prey, but may take helpless or injured animals.

Threats to Vultures

1. Poisoning: From carcasses laced with veterinary drugs (e.g., Diclofenac).
2. Lead Toxicity: Ingestion of lead fragments in carcasses.
3. Electrocution & Collision: Power lines and wind turbines.
4. Starvation: Habitat degradation and reduced food availability.
5. Persecution: Superstitions and misunderstandings about their role.

Ecological Significance

• Prevent disease outbreaks: By consuming carcasses, vultures help stop the spread of rabies, anthrax, and other pathogens.
• Eco-cleaners: Play a key role in nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Conservation Measures

Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2020–2025)

Approved by National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

Key Initiatives:

1. Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centres:
   • New centres in: Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.
2. Vulture Safe Zones:
   • At least one per state to protect remnant populations.
3. Rescue Centres:
   • Planned in: Pinjore (Haryana), Bhopal (MP), Guwahati (Assam), Hyderabad (Telangana).
4. Toxic Drug Monitoring:
   • Automatic ban system for drugs found to be harmful to vultures (in coordination with the Drugs Controller General of India).
5. Vulture Census:
   • Nationwide counting coordinated by:
     • Forest Departments
     • BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society)
     • Research institutions
     • NGOs and public volunteers
6. Threat Database:
   • Comprehensive repository tracking:
     • Electrocutions
     • Collisions
     • Unintentional poisonings