The survey report was released by K Ponmudy, Hon’ble Minister (Forests & Khadi) on Friday.
The survey was undertaken in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka
The Synchronised Vulture Survey-2025 has revealed a steady rise in vulture numbers, which provide important ecosystem services in natural, agricultural and rural environments, especially for recycling of nutrients through highly efficient organic waste disposal as obligate scavengers.
The survey was undertaken across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Data shows that there was an estimated population of 390 vultures over the landscape in 2024-2025 as against 320 in the previous year. Tamil Nadu recorded 157 vultures, followed by Kerala with 125 and Karnataka having 108, says the release.
The white-rumped vulture, the most abundant species in Tamil Nadu, accounted for 110 individuals. Following closely were the long-billed vulture with 31 individuals, the red-headed vulture with 11 individuals and Egyptian vulture with 5 individuals.
The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is home to a significant breeding population of vultures.
The Tamil Nadu government has taken a number of steps for conservation of vultures including implementing a ban on diclofenac, nimesulide, conserving the habitats and population monitoring, says a release.
The survey covered Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve & Nagarhole Tiger Reserve in Karnataka.
This is the third landscape level synchronised population estimation and was conducted on 27th and 28th February 2025. Vantage point count methodology was used with a total of 106 locations in all three States, with Tamil Nadu alone having 33 vantage points.
The decline in the population of white-rumped vultures, long-billed vultures, red-headed vultures and slender billed vultures over last three decades in our country have led to their inclusion as critically endangered species.
From the recent survey, there are 8 locations with 60 active nests, hosting an estimated population of 120 vultures. This population comprises mainly white-rumped vultures (108), followed by long-billed vultures (10), and red-headed vultures (2). Notably, 34 chicks were also recorded, indicating a thriving breeding ground
The red-headed vulture nest was recorded for the first time in southern India at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
The survey report was released by K Ponmudy, Hon’ble Minister (Forests & Khadi) on Friday.
Published on April 4, 2025
