Population Ecology of Vultures in Western Rajasthan, India

Over the last decade, a drastic crash in the vulture population is believed to have taken place in India and the probable causes of a such a decline are believed to be diseases, pesticides, poisoning and killing of vultures around airports etc. The present study was undertaken in and around Jodhpur, to find out the ecology and population dynamics of the vultures, both resident and migratory and was carried out between 1996-2003. The population of Long-billed and White-backed vultures shows a decline of about 24% and 40% whereas the Egyption vultures have increased, by 36%. Migratory vultures have doubled in 2003. The population starts increasing from October touching peak in January-February and decreasing from March onwards, and is the least during May to August. Migratory vultures are not seen from May to September. They feed on dumping grounds of carcasses. Loss of nesting and roosting sites was due to mining and cutting of trees. Further conservation apd management programmes are necessary.