Endangered species of vultures sighted in UP tiger reserve

Confirming the presence of endangered vultures in the park in large number, Deputy director of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Mahavir Kaujlagi said, “The group sighted atop a tree in south Sonaripur range belonged to endangered white-rumped vultures, scientifically known as Gyps benglensis.” 

“Apart from them, Himalyan griffin vultures can also be sighted in Dudhwa,” he said.

Vultures are the critically endangered species. Decades ago, vultures in large numbers could be seen sitting along roadsides in various parts of the district. 

Eminent conservationist and secretary of Terai nature conservation society (TNCS) Vijay Prakash Singh said, “Indiscriminate use of diclofenac, a medicine, adversely affected the vulture population which served as natural scavangers.” 

The drug was banned for animal use and in Terai region, its results seem to be positive. 

According to Singh, DTR with its enriched flora, fauna and ecology has suited best to the vultures, which find a safe shelter here. He said Dudhwa, Katarniaghat and some parts of Kishanpur sanctuary have helped in boosting the growth of vulture population. Kaujlagi said vultures were residential birds in Dudhwa. 

Presence of sub-adult vultures in Dudhwa manifested its nesting and sustained growth in DTR. Located on India-Nepal border, DTR is abode to over 400 species of birds, apart from various species of herbivorous and carnivorous, attracting large number of tourists, wildlife enthusiasts and research scholars from various parts of India as well as from abroad. The national park remains open for public from November 15 to June 15 every year.