Govind Tekale
The 2025 synchronized vulture census across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka has revealed encouraging results for these crucial scavengers. Most notably, the vulture population in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary more than doubled from 53 in 2024 to 113 in 2025.
Census Overview
Conducted on February 27-28, 2025, the census covered 106 locations across the three states, focusing on seven protected areas where vulture populations exist. In Tamil Nadu alone, the count was conducted at 33 sites involving up to 220 participants, including forest department field staff, vulture experts, NGOs, students, and volunteers.
“We had only 61 vultures identified in the survey in 2023, and it dipped to 53 in 2024. This time, the numbers have more than doubled, which is a sign of a healthy ecosystem,” said Jayan Sabari, Forest Range Officer of Sulthan Bathery, who coordinated the survey in Wayanad.
Census Methodology
The survey employed two primary techniques:
- Vantage point count: Observers stationed at fixed points with clear views to count vultures in defined areas
- Nest-count method: Surveyors identifying and monitoring nests to estimate vulture populations
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Findings
The survey in Wayanad was carried out in 18 camps, each team consisting of an expert, an amateur, a camera person, and at least one Forest department official. Vultures were spotted in 13 of these camps, with all 12 camps within Wayanad recording their presence.
Three vulture species were identified in the sanctuary:
- White-rumped vulture (critically endangered)
- Red-headed vulture (endangered)
- Indian vulture (near-threatened)
The preliminary count for Wayanad alone totaled 476 vulture sightings, with initial figures indicating over 90 White-rumped vultures, 17 Red-headed vultures, and 6 Indian vultures.
Conservation Challenges
Despite positive trends, the vulture population in southern India faces several serious challenges:
- Illegal use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): “NSAID threats are particularly high in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka and Erode district in Tamil Nadu, where some veterinarians and quacks misuse these drugs under the guise of treating domestic animals, despite laws banning their use for this purpose,” according to conservation activist H Byju.
- Climate change-induced wildfires: Byju noted that “smoke from repeated wildfires can disturb vultures, temporarily causing some to relocate.”
- Ecotourism disturbances: Conservation expert CK Vishnudas from Wayanad pointed out that tourist behaviors, including loud noises and campfires near habitats, have contributed to birds fleeing the area.
- Habitat loss: With long-billed vultures preferring nesting in cliff faces and rocky crevices, protecting these limited sites is crucial for their survival.
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Conservation Efforts
The forest departments of the three states have implemented several measures to stabilize vulture populations:
- Eco-restoration: Efforts to restore habitats by planting native vegetation and removing invasive species
- Awareness campaigns: Educational initiatives about the importance of vultures and the dangers of NSAIDs
- Strict enforcement against illegal practices
- Improved carcass handling: “The department is assisting the vultures by leaving portions of carcasses in open areas where they are more visible,” explained Supriya Sahu, additional chief secretary of environment, climate change, and forests of Tamil Nadu.
Current Population Status
Approximately 320 vultures are surviving in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve region. Conservation activist H Byju noted, “We have seen stabilization over the last three years.”
Supriya Sahu emphasized the Tamil Nadu government’s proactive role in vulture conservation, including establishing a framework across the state and creating an expert panel in 2022 led by the chief wildlife warden.
Historical Context
The decline in India’s vulture population has been dramatic. According to expert S. Manigandan, “In the 1980s, the population was 40 million. However, due to harmful NSAIDs like diclofenac, the numbers have plummeted to less than one percent of that figure.”
Ecological Importance
Byju highlighted the ecological role of vultures: “By consuming entire carcasses, vultures prevent harmful pathogens and toxins from leaching into the soil and water, thereby keeping our environment clean.”
He also noted a concerning side effect of vulture decline: “Another issue with the decline of vultures is the increase in the dog population on the streets. These dogs can carry pathogens and diseases from rotting carcasses to humans, contributing to the spread of diseases.”
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2025 vulture census found that the vulture population in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary more than doubled from 53 in 2024 to 113 in 2025. Overall, approximately 320 vultures are surviving in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve region across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Three species were identified in Wayanad: White-rumped vulture (critically endangered), Red-headed vulture (endangered), and Indian vulture (near-threatened).
Vultures play a crucial role in the ecosystem by consuming carcasses, which prevents harmful pathogens and toxins from leaching into soil and water. They help maintain ecological balance and public health. Their decline has led to an increase in feral dog populations, which can spread diseases from rotting carcasses to humans.
The primary cause of vulture decline in India has been the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly diclofenac, in livestock. When vultures consume carcasses of animals treated with these drugs, they suffer kidney failure. Other factors include habitat loss, climate change-induced wildfires, and disturbances from ecotourism. India’s vulture population has plummeted from 40 million in the 1980s to less than one percent of that figure today.
The synchronized vulture census was conducted on February 27-28, 2025, covering 106 locations across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The survey employed two main techniques: the vantage point count (observers stationed at fixed points) and the nest-count method (identifying and monitoring nests). In Tamil Nadu alone, the census involved up to 220 participants, including forest department staff, vulture experts, NGOs, students, and volunteers.
Conservation efforts include eco-restoration (planting native vegetation and removing invasive species), awareness campaigns about the dangers of NSAIDs, strict enforcement against illegal practices, and improved carcass handling to increase food availability. The Tamil Nadu government has established a framework for vulture conservation across the state and created an expert panel in 2022 led by the chief wildlife warden.
Yes, according to conservation experts, the vulture population in southern India has nearly stabilized despite ongoing challenges. Conservation activist H Byju noted, “We have seen stabilization over the last three years.” The increase in vulture numbers in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary from 53 in 2024 to 113 in 2025 is a promising sign that conservation efforts are showing positive results.
