Decline of Egyptian Vulture in India

Egyptian Vulture Conservation Summary

Species Overview:

• Scientific Name: Neophron percnopterus
• Global Status: Endangered (IUCN)
• Distribution: Southern Europe, Northern & Central Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, Indian subcontinent.

Historical Context:

• Once abundant in Southern India, particularly in The Nilgiris region.
• Historical records indicate significant populations; British ornithologist William Ruxton Davison noted their abundance in the 19th century.

Current Status:

• Population Decline: Egyptian Vultures have become locally extinct in The Nilgiris and are no longer breeding in Tamil Nadu.
• Estimated Remaining Population: Fewer than 150 resident Egyptian Vultures in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Current breeding sites in Tamil Nadu are non-existent; a single nesting pair is unconfirmed.

Threats to Population:

1. Veterinary Drugs: Use of NSAIDs like diclofenac leading to poisoning.
2. Electrocution: Increased infrastructure leading to hazards.
3. Accidental Poisoning: From rodenticides and other toxins.
4. Habitat Disturbance: Changes in livestock-rearing practices reducing food sources.
5. Socio-economic Changes: Shift from traditional cattle rearing to settled agriculture.

Conservation Efforts Proposed:

• Conservation Breeding Programme: Proposed by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to be established in Tamil Nadu.
• Potential Locations: The Nilgiris, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Coimbatore.
• Goals: Habitat protection, safe food availability, risk mitigation for electrocution and poisoning.

Recommendations for Action:

• Conduct scientific population surveys.
• Protect nesting habitats.
• Install bird diverters on hazardous power lines.
• Establish vulture-safe feeding zones.
• Increase community awareness about conservation.

Importance of Conservation:

• The Egyptian Vulture plays a critical ecological role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by scavenging animal carcasses.
• Cultural significance in several communities, particularly in temple traditions across peninsular India.

Conclusion: Immediate conservation action is necessary to prevent the functional extinction of the Egyptian Vulture in Southern India. Collaborative efforts among state Forest Departments and conservation organizations are essential for the species' recovery.