Abstract
Vultures are excellent indicators of environmental health and as carrion feeders play an important ecological role. They are the only known vertebrate obligate scavengers. Nine different species of old world vultures are found in India. Red-headed Vulture (RHV) is one of the resident vulture species and is found throughout the country up to 2000 m elevation. This study was carried out in two states of India, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh known as Bundelkhand. The grids of 15x15 sq km and random points were laid over the study area. Transects of 10 km were conducted in all the selected grids. As a result, 46, 54 and 74 vultures were recorded from 2017 to 2019, respectively. There was a continuous rise in the RHV population during the study period, which is a good sign for the species. Along with other vulture species, RHV is also facing serious threats. Biotic and abiotic threats such as habitat loss, predation, hunting and disturbance, scarcity of food and water, change in land use and agricultural practices, poisoning and, mortality in road accidents while feeding. The population trend is showing positive signs but only regular monitoring and conservation activities will help in saving the species.
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More From: International Journal of Zoological Investigations
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