Nilgiris Vulture Numbers Rise: Census Shows Promising Growth

A synchronized vulture census has commenced across the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, a vast area encompassing forests in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. This is the fourth consecutive year for the census, designed to monitor the population and distribution of endangered vulture species within crucial habitats. The effort involves over 120 teams, each comprising four members, including experts, and equipped with modern tools for accurate data collection.

This year's census expands its reach to include Erode and Coimbatore forest divisions and utilizes 117 vantage points. The previous census in February 2025 recorded a notable increase in vulture numbers, rising from 320 to 390 individuals. Tamil Nadu led the count with 157 vultures, followed by Kerala and Karnataka.

Improvements in wild animal carcass management, particularly in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, are a direct outcome of past surveys. Instead of immediate burial or burning, carcasses are now left in the open for vultures to scavenge, a practice implemented when no disease concerns are present, ensuring a food source for these important scavengers.