The dwindling population of vulture species is a significant concern for wildlife managers and ornithologists. However, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) stands out as a major habitat for these bird species in the region.
Tri-State Synchronised Vulture Survey Results
- Recently released data from the first-ever tri-State synchronised vulture survey revealed crucial information.
- The survey covered seven protected areas across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, including WWS.
- According to WWS warden Dinesh Kumar, a total of 320 individual vultures were counted across these areas, with WWS harboring 51 of them.
Species Distribution
- Among the counted vultures, 217 were white-rumped vultures, 47 were long-billed, 50 were Red-headed, four were Egyptian vultures, and two were Himalayan griffons.
- Notably, Himalayan griffons were only sighted in WWS, making it an essential habitat for this species.
- The sanctuary also hosts the largest number of red-headed vultures.
Survey Comparison
- In comparison to the previous survey in February 2023, this recent survey demonstrated improvements.
- All 12 camps set up within WWS recorded vulture sightings, a notable increase from the previous survey where only nine camps recorded sightings.
- The total count of vultures in Wayanad district rose from 46 in the last survey to 51 in the current one.
Vulture Sightings Details
- The Vettathgor camp outside the Sanctuary area reported sightings of two vulture species: white-rumped and red-head.
- There was an increase in the sighting of red-headed vultures (from 7 to 16) and long-billed vultures (from 1 to 2) compared to the last survey.
- However, sightings of white-rumped vultures slightly decreased (from 37 to 31).
- While the Himalayan griffon sightings increased from zero to two, there were no cinereous vulture sightings this time.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where was the first-ever tri-State synchronised vulture survey conducted?
- A) Kerala
- B) Karnataka
- C) Tamil Nadu
- D) All of the above
- Answer: D) All of the above
- How many individual vultures were counted in total across the seven protected areas surveyed?
- A) 217
- B) 320
- C) 51
- D) 47
- Answer: B) 320
- Which species of vulture was only sighted in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary?
- A) White-rumped vulture
- B) Red-headed vulture
- C) Himalayan griffon
- D) Long-billed vulture
- Answer: C) Himalayan griffon
- How many camps recorded vulture sightings in the recent survey within Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary?
- A) 9
- B) 10
- C) 11
- D) 12
- Answer: D) 12
- What was the change in the sighting of red-headed vultures compared to the previous survey?
- A) Increased from 7 to 16
- B) Decreased from 37 to 31
- C) Stayed the same at 12
- D) Decreased from 46 to 51
- Answer: A) Increased from 7 to 16