The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, located in the Western Ghats, is home to various species of wildlife, including the endangered long-billed vultures. A recent study has shown that the nesting success rate of the long-billed vultures in this reserve is considerably high, a positive indicator for conservation efforts aimed at protecting this species.
Habitat and Significance of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve provides an ideal habitat for long-billed vultures. It offers the vultures rocky cliffs and tall trees for nesting, which are crucial for their survival. The abundant prey and carcass availability also ensure a reliable food source for these scavengers.
Conservation Efforts
Over the years, concerted efforts by the Forest Department and wildlife conservation organizations have focused on preserving the vulture population. Measures like preventing poisoning of carcasses, monitoring nesting sites, and minimizing human interference have contributed to the rise in nesting success.
Nesting Success and Population Growth
The study conducted in the reserve revealed that the nesting success rate for long-billed vultures was significantly high compared to other regions. This is attributed to the favorable environment, food availability, and reduced human intervention. A high nesting success rate is essential for increasing the population of this critically endangered bird species.
Challenges and Future Strategies
Despite the positive nesting success rate, long-billed vultures still face challenges, such as habitat loss, poisoning, and reduced availability of natural food sources. Moving forward, continued conservation efforts and stricter regulations on the use of harmful chemicals are crucial to ensuring the species’ survival.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where has the nesting success rate of the long-billed vulture increased?
- a) Kaziranga National Park
- b) Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
- c) Sundarbans National Park
- d) Jim Corbett National Park
Answer: b) Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
- What has significantly contributed to the success of the long-billed vulture’s nesting in MTR?
- a) Increase in forest fires
- b) Protected environment and reduction of harmful drugs
- c) Increased tourism in the area
- d) Expansion of urban settlements
Answer: b) Protected environment and reduction of harmful drugs
- Which veterinary drug, toxic to vultures, has been reduced in usage?
- a) Ibuprofen
- b) Diclofenac
- c) Penicillin
- d) Paracetamol
Answer: b) Diclofenac
- What is the conservation status of the long-billed vulture?
- a) Least Concern
- b) Vulnerable
- c) Endangered
- d) Extinct
Answer: c) Endangered
- What is a key factor in the future outlook for long-billed vultures in MTR?
- a) Expansion of human settlements
- b) Habitat destruction
- c) Continued conservation efforts and habitat protection
- d) Introduction of new predators
Answer: c) Continued conservation efforts and habitat protection