Madhya Pradesh now has the highest number of vultures in India

1. Madhya Pradesh has reported the highest number of vultures in India after the first phase of the 2025 vulture census.
2. The total number of vultures counted in the state is 12,981, up from 10,845 in the previous census (2024).
3. The census is conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department in two phases:
   1. Phase 1: Held from 17th-19th February 2025.
   2. Phase 2: Scheduled for 29th April 2025.
4. The census covers all the forested areas, national parks, tiger reserves, and sanctuaries in the state.

Vulture Census History in Madhya Pradesh:

The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has been conducting the vulture census since 2016. The census data over the years is as follows:

1. 2016: 6,999 vultures were recorded.
2. 2018, 2019, 2021: Data was collected.
3. 2024: 10,845 vultures were recorded.
4. 2025 (First Phase): The census recorded 12,981 vultures, showing a rise in population since 2016.

Vulture Species in Madhya Pradesh:

In the world, there are 23 species of vultures, and 9 species are found in India.  Madhya Pradesh is home to 7 species, making it an important area for vulture conservation:

1. Indigenous Vulture Species (4 species):

1. 1. Indian Long Wild Vulture
   2. Chamaar Vulture
   3. Gobar Vulture (Egyptian Vulture)
   4. Red Head Vulture (Raj Giddha)

2. Migratory Vulture Species (3 species):

1. 1. Himalayan Griffon Vulture
   2. European Griffon Vulture
   3. Cenarius Vulture (Black Vulture)

Threats to Vulture Population in India:

1. India's vulture population declined sharply due to the use of diclofenac, a drug given to cattle.
2. When vultures consumed the carcasses of cattle treated with diclofenac, it caused kidney failure in the birds, leading to their deaths.
3. In 2006, the government banned the use of diclofenac for cattle, which has helped the vulture population slowly recover.

Importance of Vultures in the Ecosystem:

Vultures are important for the environment because:

1. Scavengers: They help clean up dead animals, stopping the spread of diseases and keeping the environment safe.
2. Nutrient Recycling: By eating dead animals, vultures recycle nutrients back into the environment, helping plants and other creatures.
3. Controlling Wild Dog Numbers: Vultures reduce the amount of food available to wild dogs, which can spread diseases like rabies.

Conclusion: Vultures play an essential role in the ecosystem, and the efforts to protect them have led to a positive increase in their numbers. Continued conservation is important to ensure that vultures continue to thrive in the future.

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