Wayanad's Vultures Thrive Despite Breeding Dip

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala's sole home for vultures, is experiencing a stable population of these large scavenger birds, a testament to its robust ecosystem. Recent counts indicate approximately 80 vultures, with dozens occasionally observed feeding on carcasses, highlighting the area's ecological health.

The sanctuary's landscape, featuring numerous grasslands or 'vayals,' provides a crucial food source for herbivores, which in turn sustain predators and scavengers. This unique environment, less dense than other Kerala forests, makes Wayanad an ideal habitat for vultures, including the common white-rumped vulture and occasional migratory species.

Experts note that the absence of harmful veterinary drugs like diclofenac has been instrumental in maintaining vulture populations in protected zones across southern India. While breeding numbers have decreased in Wayanad, this is not considered an immediate threat, as nests remain abundant elsewhere, such as in Mudumalai.

However, human activities and the proliferation of invasive plant species are identified as potential factors contributing to the disappearance of nesting sites within Wayanad. Efforts are underway to further study the reasons behind the decline in local nesting behaviors.