Madhya Pradesh: Indore sees sharp decline in Egyptian vultures’ number

INDORE: The population of Egyptian

vultures

— the only species seen in

Madhya Pradesh

's

Indore

and surrounding areas — has witnessed a sharp decline in the last few years.


The population of these vultures has decreased from nearly 83 to just 15 during the last four years, claims a survey conducted by Indore-based Nature and Wildlife Conservation and Awareness Society.

Presence of feral dogs at the trenching grounds also prevents movement of vultures in the area.

Only 15 Egyptian vultures were spotted — against 28 during the same period last year — between December 2020 and January 2021.

READ ALSO:
Government draws up 5-year plan to save vultures

Measures taken by Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) for processing wet waste and dead animal carcasses have made it difficult for the vultures to survive.

Egyptian vulture

also known as ‘Safed Giddh’ is a white coloured kite sized bird with yellow head and yellow bill

Ornithologist Ravi Sharma said, “Egyptian vultures were found mostly in

Devguradia

area near Trenching ground of Indore. There are only a few vultures left in the area and chances of any increase in their population is also low."

The experts also advise movement of vultures from Devguradia to other suitable locations which are close to Indore

He also claimed there used to be two

water holes

or

ponds

in the area, which were completely filled up and a garden was developed by the civic body.

“This has led to non-availability of water for vultures which they used for bathing, cleaning & drinking,” he said, adding that presence of feral dogs at the trenching grounds also prevents movement of vultures in the area.
The experts also advise movement of vultures from Devguradia to other suitable locations which are close to Indore.

They have counted around 52 Egyptian vultures at Muhada ghat area, about 25km away from Indore.

“The area has cliffs, water ponds, small patches of jungle & dead animals dumping ground which all make a favorable place for the Egyptian vultures,” they said.

Though by road the distance is 25 km from Devguradiya, the aerial distance may not be more than 10-12 kms, hence Egyptian vulture might have been shifted to this place, they added.

The IMC commissioner said that the solid waste management measures have been implemented as per the government rules and guidelines. “We can hold discussions with experts and their suggestions to maintain natural habitat for the vultures can be considered,” commissioner added.