Vultures soar high in the sky. But their population chart shows a steep fall over the last one decade. It is estimated that the vulture population has declined by 90 per cent over the last 10 years. The plight of vultures was highlighted by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest in its list on critically endangered species.
The most regularly found vultures in Kerala are the Indian White-backed and Indian Long-billed ones, which have also been included in the category.
Of the nine species of vultures found in India, Kerala has five including Egyptian vulture, Indian white-backed vulture, Indian long-billed vulture, Cinereous Vulture and Red-headed Vulture. The presence of White-backed and Long-billed vultures was primarily reported from the forest tracts of Wayanad.
However, the presence of other vulture species in the State is irregular, said P.O. Nameer, State coordinator, Indian Bird Conservation Network & Important Bird Area Programme. Vultures were never common in Kerala as there was no ideal habitat for them. They are basically species of open and dry areas and with Kerala being densely vegetated, the State is not generally ideal for them.
They soar high in the sky looking for feed and the thick vegetation found in most parts of the State obstructs their view.
In Kerala, they are mainly found in habitats adjoining Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, he said.
Earlier, there were reports of the species being spotted from Chinnar. However, there are no recent reports of the sightings.
The population of vultures in Wayanad is stable and breeding. Surveys in the region had found around 10 nests of the bird variety, he said.
Unlike the vulture species found in other parts of the country, the ones found in Kerala survive on carcass of wild animals alone.
The birds are not left with cattle carcass to feed on in Kerala as beef is widely consumed here, he said.
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