Population Estimation of Resident Vultures in Gujarat

Sandeep B. Munjpara; Ketan Tatu; R. D. Kamboj

doi:10.36808/if/2018/v144i10/139571

Population Estimation of Resident Vultures in Gujarat

Authors

Sandeep B. Munjpara Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, Indroda Nature Park, Gandhinagar
Ketan Tatu Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, Indroda Nature Park, Gandhinagar
R. D. Kamboj Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, Indroda Nature Park, Gandhinagar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2018/v144i10/139571

Keywords:

Egyptian Vulture, Gujarat State, Gyps Vultures, Long-Billed Vulture, Population Estimation, Red-Headed Vulture, White-rumped Vulture

Abstract

Statewide vulture population estimates in Gujarat have been conducted for the years 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2016 by Gujarat State Forest Department and GEER Foundation with the support of various NGOs, nature clubs, ornithologists and birdwatchers of the state. The entire state was surveyed simultaneously with uniform methodology during two days of May 2016. A total of 999 individuals of 4 species of vultures were estimated. Of the total 999 vultures, 843 (84.38%) individuals were Gyps vultures (including 458 White-rumped Vultures and 385 Long-billed Vultures). Over a period of a decade (2005-2016), population of Gyps vultures declined by 68.15% from 2,647 individuals to 843 individuals. The decadal (2005-2016) population change for Gyps vultures has indicated 78.55% decline for the White-rumped Vulture and 2.39%. increase for the Long-billed Vulture. Populations of Red-headed Vulture and Egyptian Vulture were estimated in 2012 and 2016 which revealed 300% population rise (i.e. 8 to 24 individuals) for the Red-headed Vulture and 36% population rise (i.e. 97 to 132 individuals) for the Egyptian Vulture.

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