A two‑day vulture survey has been launched across the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, aiming to document the current status and distribution of these ecologically vital scavengers. The initiative coincides with upcoming Wildlife Week celebrations in Kerala.
Organised jointly by the Forest Department, Wayanad Wildlife Division, World Wide Fund for Nature‑India (WWF‑India), and the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, the survey seeks to strengthen conservation efforts for vultures, which play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of disease.
Officials said the survey will help identify nesting and feeding sites, track population trends, and assess threats such as habitat loss, poisoning, and food scarcity. The findings are expected to guide future conservation strategies and awareness campaigns in the region.
Vultures, once abundant across India, have seen alarming declines in recent decades due to factors like the use of veterinary drugs toxic to them. Wayanad, with its rich biodiversity, remains one of the few strongholds where multiple vulture species can still be spotted. Conservationists believe the survey will provide critical data to protect these endangered birds and ensure their survival for future generations.
