Population status, nesting sites and seasonal fluctuation of Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus): Dynamics and implications for the species conservation in and around Jodhpur

Abstract

Nine species of vulture were reported in India. Out of them, four species Gyps indicus, Gyps bengalensis, Sacrogyps calvus and Neophron percnopterus are permanent residents and remain in and around Jodhpur. The remaining three species Gyps fulvus, Gyps himalayensis and Aegypus monachus are migratory species and come to site from October to February in winter season. Resident species reproduce here due to availability of food through out the year. Egyptian vulture is a smaller bird with naked head and without long scrawny neck and is permanent resident of Thar Desert. It is has maximum population as compared to other species of vultures observed in the area investigated in the present study.