Wayanad vulture survey records 65 endangered birds

What happened in the Wayanad vulture survey?

A two-day synchronous wildlife survey in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary has recorded 65 distinct vultures, providing conservationists with vital baseline data on the state's last remaining stronghold for these endangered scavengers.

The census, conducted across key vantage points in the sanctuary, identified 54 white-rumped vultures and 11 red-headed vultures. Both species are critically endangered, having suffered catastrophic population declines across India over the past few decades, which makes the Wayanad forests a vital sanctuary for their survival.

The exercise was jointly organised by the Kerala Forest Department, the Wayanad Wildlife Division, WWF-India, and the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology. A group of 42 volunteers—including birdwatchers, researchers, students, and wildlife enthusiasts from across Kerala—took part in the count. They were divided into nine teams and stationed at seven strategic vantage points spread across the sanctuary’s four forest ranges.

How did researchers avoid double-counting?

While the teams logged a total of 243 sightings across 108 separate observations during the two-day period, vultures are highly mobile birds that can cover vast distances quickly. To prevent the same bird from being counted multiple times at different observation posts, analysts carefully filtered the raw data.

They examined the exact time of each sighting, the estimated distance from the observers, and the flight paths and movement patterns of the birds to arrive at the final estimate of 65 unique individuals.

Why is Wayanad a vital habitat for vultures?

Wayanad’s position within the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is central to its role as a vulture habitat. The sanctuary’s contiguous connection with other extensive forest areas ensures a wild environment where the birds can find sufficient food, particularly from the carcasses of large mammals.

Forest officials said the survey results demonstrate why Wayanad is the primary habitat for vultures in Kerala. However, the birds continue to face persistent threats. Officials warned that conservation efforts must address risks such as accidental poisoning—which often happens when vultures feed on carcasses laced with poison by farmers targeting cattle predators—and electrocution from overhead power lines.

Organisers say the findings will provide a critical baseline for future monitoring, helping conservationists track the health and movement of the population over the coming years.