Despite challenges, vulture population in south stable: Experts

Despite the widespread illegal use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to treat sick domestic animals by local farmers and veterinarians and smoke emanating from climate change-induced wildfires, the vulture population in southern part of India has nearly stabilised, according to early indications from a just-concluded synchronised survey of these winged scavengers. According to the researchers who took part in the census conducted in Sathyamangalam and Mudumalai Tiger Reserves in Tamil Nadu, Bandipur, Billigiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, and Nagarhole Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, approximately 320 vultures are surviving in the whole region. Conservation activist H Byju, who is also the author of book “Valley of Hope—Moyar and its Vultures,” said that the vulture population is stable in this traditional nesting area, particularly in the Moyar Valley, which forms part of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, and areas comprising the old lair of Veerappan in Sathyamangalam. Byju highlighted that while the smoke from repeated wildfires can disturb vultures, temporarily causing some to relocate, numerous positive conservation interventions, including eco-restoration and habitat improvement, have significantly contributed to stabilising the vulture population.