Madhya Pradesh became the state with the highest number of vultures in the country

Context:

Madhya Pradesh has earned the distinction of having the highest number of vultures in the country, with a total of 12,981 vultures recorded in the recent state-level census. This marks a significant increase from the 8,397 vultures counted in 2019 and 10,845 in 2024.

Madhya Pradesh is home to 7 species of vultures, comprising 4 local and 3 migratory species. The state's efforts to conserve vulture populations seem to be paying off, with a steady increase in numbers since the census began in 2016

Vulture Species in India:

India is home to nine species of vultures, of which four are classified as Critically Endangered, and one is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

1. Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus)

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Known for its long bill, the Indian Vulture is primarily found in the plains of northern and central India.

2. Indian White-backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
This species is distinguished by its white back and is commonly found across India. It has faced severe population declines in recent decades.

3. Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus)

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Easily identified by its red head and large body, the Red-headed Vulture is found in southern and central India.

4. Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Recognized for its long, slender bill, this species is found mainly in the western parts of India, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

5. Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)

Conservation Status: Endangered
Smaller in size compared to other vultures, the Egyptian Vulture is identifiable by its white plumage and yellow face. It is found in parts of northern India.

6. Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus)

Conservation Status: Near Threatened
This large vulture, with dark plumage and a powerful build, can be found in the Himalayas and parts of northern India.

7. Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)

Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Known for its distinctive beard-like feathers and large wingspan, the Bearded Vulture is primarily found in the mountainous regions of northern India.

8. Himalayan Vulture (Gyps himalayensis)

Conservation Status: Near Threatened
The Himalayan Vulture, a high-altitude species, is found across the Himalayan range and other mountainous areas in India.

9. Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)

Conservation Status: Least Concern
This species has a wide distribution across parts of India and is one of the more stable vulture populations in the country.

Issues:

Despite the positive trend, vultures in India face significant threats, including the use of harmful veterinary drugs like diclofenac, which affects their health and reproductive ability. Though India has banned diclofenac, illegal use of such substances continues to pose a risk to vulture populations.

Vultures rely on large open spaces and carcasses to survive. Habitat loss due to urbanization, deforestation, and agriculture expansion is a growing concern. Protecting these habitats is essential to sustaining vulture populations.

Vultures also face threats from poaching and human-wildlife conflicts. Protecting them from these hazards requires strict law enforcement and active monitoring of their populations.