The forest departments of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka are set to carry out a synchronised vulture census in the Nilgiri landscape on March 7 and 8. This joint effort aims to evaluate the population of endangered vultures in a significant habitat in southern India. The survey will specifically target key forest ranges within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a crucial area for vultures in the region.
Encouraged by positive results from the previous census, which showed an increase in vulture numbers across the three states, wildlife officials are optimistic. Notably, a vulture nest was recently spotted within the core area of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, marking a significant development as most nesting activities were previously observed in buffer zones.
In preparation for this year’s survey, forest officials have identified eight strategic points within the core zone of Mudumalai to closely monitor nesting behavior and population trends. The synchronised census will encompass various major wildlife habitats across the Nilgiri landscape.
Monitoring activities in Tamil Nadu will cover Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, and the Tirunelveli Wildlife Sanctuary. In Karnataka, teams will survey Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, and Biligiri Ranganatha Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve, while in Kerala, the focus will be on the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
