Status and behaviour of White-backed and Long-billed Vultures in Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand, India. - R.K. Sharma, D. Bhatt, V.K. Sethi, V.D. Joshi. - Berkut. 16 (1). 2007. - P. 75-78.
The collapse of three species of vultures namely Gyps bengalensis, G. indicus and G. tenuirostris has recently been observed in India. In the present study an attempt has been made to monitor the status of two most critical endangered species. During 2001–2002, 38 individuals of White-backed Vultures and 28 Long-billed Vultures were sighted in two ranges of Rajaji National Park. In 2002–2003 their populations were reduced to 6 and 0 respectively. During 2005–2006 while population of White-backed Vulture was found same but Long-billed Vulture could not be sighted. Though the real factor-causing decline in vulture populations in the study area is currently unknown but the availability of food and nesting sites does not seems to cause decline in vulture populations. [English].
Key words: Gyps bengalensis, Gyps indicus, number, conservation.
Address: D. Bhatt, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukul Kangri University, Hardwar, Uttarakhand, India; dd_bhatt@yahoo.com.