Surveys of Himalayan Vultures (Gyps himalayensis) in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Mustang, Nepal

Abstract

Populations of three species of lowland Gyps vultures (G. bengalensis, G. tenuirostris and G. indicus) in South Asia have declined precipitously over the last decade as a result of their feeding on diclofenac-contaminated livestock carcasses. Despite extensive studies on these three species, little is known about population trends in the highland species, Himalayan Vulture (G. himalayensis). We surveyed Himalayan Vultures in Nepal between 2001 and 2006. We found no evidence that their populations are facing the same magnitude of decline or threat as those of the three species of lowland Gyps vultures. We suggest that Himalayan Vultures may not be experiencing the same degree of diclofenac poisoning for a number of reasons, including possibly different foraging behaviors by Himalayan Vultures compared to the other Gyps vultures, and/or relatively lower use of diclofenac in the highland regions. © 2008 The Raptor Research Foundation, Inc.