Keywords
Gyps bengalensis
Gyps indicus
White-Backed Vulture
Long-Billed Vulture
Population
Status.
How to Cite
Abstract
A state-wide survey of the Critically Endangered White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis and Long-billed or Indian Vulture Gyps indicus in the 26 districts of Gujarat was undertaken from May 29-30, 2010. The survey was carried out throughout the state by hundreds of volunteers and personnel of the State Forest Department to determine the population of the two Gyps vulture species in all the districts and regions of the state, and to assess changes in their populations through comparison with the earlier surveys done in 2005 and 2007. Total count method was used, and the counts were made at resting, roosting, feeding, and nesting sites to assess the population size, number of young birds, and the nest-tree availability. The survey resulted in an estimated population of 793 White-backed Vulture (WBV) and 265 Long-billed Vulture (LBV); the identity of 7 individuals was uncertain. When compared with the earlier surveys, it revealed that there has been a 62.9% decrease (-1,342 individuals) in the population of WBV and 29.5% reduction (-111 individuals) in the population of LBV within a time span of 5 years.References
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