867 vultures found in Panna Tiger Reserve during Vulture Population Estimation
Bhopal: Vulture Population Estimation-2013 has been concluded in the Panna Tiger Reserve. It was started from January 16. During the period, 867 vultures including 160 migratory and 48 unidentified ones were found. Technical report of Vulture Population Estimation-2013 is expected to be submitted by February-end. Besides, about 102 live nests were also found in the tiger reserve. Another survey will be made in April-May 2013 to assess success rate of vulture breeding in Panna Tiger Reserve. Since the year 2010, Vulture Population Estimation is being undertaken in Panna Tiger Reserve in January every year. Number of vultures found less as compared to last year, reason behind which is probably sudden increase in temperature in the area during the estimation period. In the park, 7 out of 9 vulture species in the Indian sub-continent were found.
Regional Director Panna Tiger Reserve Shri R. Shriniwas Moorthy informed that 659 residential vultures were found in Panna Tiger Reserve during Vulture Population Estimation-2013. These included 476 Long Billed Vultures, 86 White Backed Vultures, 52 Egyptian Vultures and 45 Red-headed Vultures. Similarly, out of 160 migratory vultures found during the estimation, 41 were European Griffon, 115 Himalayan Griffon and four vultures of cinereous species. It is being considered to include Paragrin spies of vulture also in the Vulture Population Estimation next year.
Since the year 2011, Vulture Estimation is being carried out under PPP mode in Panna Tiger Reserve which is participated by bird lovers from all over the country. For this two-phase estimation, 112 bird lovers of the country from 10 states had applied. Following scrutiny, 94 participants were selected. The selected participants include participants from seven states Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Maharashtra and New Delhi and 16 guides of the park. The team conducted estimation under the leadership of the Regional Director and other forest officers.
