Vulture Population Estimation-2013 Conducted in Panna Tiger Reserve

Vulture Population Estimation-2013 was conducted in Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh by the State Government. The Vulture Population Estimation-2013 started from 16 January 2013. It was found that there are 867 vultures in the Panna Tiger Reserve which include 160 migratory birds as well as 48 unidentified birds. The Technical report of Vulture Population Estimation-2013 would be submitted by February end 2013. Around 102 live nests were present in this tiger reserve. 

Yet another survey would be conducted in April-May 2013 in order to find out the success of vulture breeding in Panna Tiger Reserve. The Vulture Population Estimation is undertaken every year in January in the Panna Tiger Reserve since 2010. The population of vultures was less in comparison to the 2012 population and the reason for their decreasing number is rise in temperatures in this area. 

What was found in the Vulture Population Estimation-2013

•The Regional Director Panna Tiger Reserve informed that 659 residential vultures were present in the Panna Tiger Reserve during this Vulture Population Estimation-2013.
•Out of the 659 residential vultures, 476 were the Long Billed Vultures, 86 were the White Backed Vultures, 52 were the Egyptian Vultures and 45 were the Red-headed Vultures.
•There were 160 migratory vultures in the Reserve. Out of these, 41 were the European Griffon, 115 were the Himalayan Griffon and 4 were the vultures of cinereous species.
 
Reasons for decline in vulture population

Over the past few years, there has been a sudden decline in the vulture population. Post mortem as well as the diagnostic tests of the vultures revealed that there was a decrease in their population because of consumption of veterinary drug Diclofenac. 
Diclofenac was consumed by the vultures who fed on the carcasses of livestock. Diclofenac led to deposition of uric acid in the visceral organs of vultures which caused their sudden death.