Tamil Nadu recorded a steady rise in vulture population, as confirmed by a jointly coordinated survey conducted by the state’s Forest Department along with those of Kerala and Karnataka. The number of vultures in Tamil Nadu rose from 100 in 2022–2023 to 150 in 2023–2024 and then to 157 in 2024–2025, according to a study conducted on February 27 and 28, 2024. Wayanad Landscape, Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, and Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserves in Tamil Nadu, as well as the Nellai Forest Division in Kerala and Karnataka, were among the important conservation sites that were covered by the concerted effort, which included 106 vantage points.

According to the survey, buzzard numbers have increased in the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, which spans 5,520 square kilometers across the three southern states. Buzzard numbers increased from 320 to 390 in this region, indicating increased ecological stability.

Four Endangered Vulture Species Spotted

Four species of vultures were found in Tamil Nadu. With 110 individuals seen, the White-rumped Vulture was the most prevalent. Eleven Red-headed Vultures, five Egyptian Vultures, and thirty-one Long-billed Vultures came next. The first three species are classified as “critically endangered,” while the Egyptian Vulture is designated as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

According to nesting statistics, the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has the most active nests, followed by the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. These nests were mostly those of the White-rumped Vulture, demonstrating the relative abundance of this species in the area.

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Conservation Efforts and Enforcement Drive Population Recovery

Officials from the Forest Department credited consistent conservation efforts for the vulture population’s recovery. These included tracking interactions between vultures and humans, monitoring nesting locations on a regular basis, and using camera traps to improve population estimates. Supriya Sahu, Secretary of the State Forest Department, stated that the reversal was largely due to the successful prohibition of Diclofenac, a veterinary analgesic that killed large numbers of vultures. Another important move mentioned was the creation of the Vulture Conservation Committee.

She also emphasized that Tamil Nadu recorded a steady rise in vulture population due to proactive enforcement measures, noting that 104 convictions for infractions impacting vulture safety had been obtained. Five pharmacy shop licenses were most recently suspended for violating the prohibition on Nimesulide, another dangerous medication for vultures.

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