Population status and habitat-use pattern of Indian white- backed vulture (Gyps bengalensis) in Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Studies on population status and habitat-use pattern of Indian White-backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) in Himachal Pradesh revealed the presence of 22 nesting colonies of this species, supporting 77 nests, of which, only 56 pairs bred successfully during breeding season (October to March/April) in 2010 to 2011. Breeding success increased from around 56% (2009 to 2010) to around 73% (2010 to 2011), indicating a slight increase of 16%. A clear tendency for nest sites of Indian White-backed Vulture to be located within well-foliaged pine trees along watercourses in pure chir pine forests, on slanting hilly tract, with the nest placed in a prominent fork within the tree canopy was reported during present study. All the nests of Indian White-backed Vulture were recorded on pine trees Pinus roxburghii. Most of the breeding sites of Indian White-backed Vultures in Himachal Pradesh were reported around the roads therefore, human activity and motor interference was a cause of the concern. Besides, monkeys were also reported as the source of interference in some of the nesting colonies. Key words: Population status, habitat-use pattern, Indian White-backed Vulture, Himachal Pradesh.