Occurrence of two critically endangered species of Gyps vultures in D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary and adjacent areas, Arunachal Pradesh, India. - A. Kumar. - Berkut. 19 (1-2). 2010. - P. 101-107.
Arunachal Pradesh is a recognized global biodiversity hotspot in India. It is the home of over 700 species of birds including many endemic and/or most rare/endangered species such as vultures. The sudden catastrophic decline in population of three species of vultures throughout the Indian subcontinent became a conservation concern at international level. Present situation prompted me to undertake extensive surveys between 3.10.2006 to 18.02.2009 in a potential area (i.e. D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary) of Arunachal Pradesh to understand the present status of these species in the area. Results indicate that the area support a fairly large population (33 individuals) of vultures. Occurrence of large congregation of three species of vultures (most of them were 1 to 3 years old sub-adults/juveniles) reveals the successful natural breeding is being taken place some where in area. It is likely to be important for further investigations and monitoring of possible natural breeding activities of White-backed and Slender-billed vultures. Occurrence of 13 individuals of Slender-billed is especially interesting because recently it is being considered most rare species of vultures. [English].
Key words: White-backed Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, Gyps bengalensis, Gyps tenuirostris, conservation.
Address: A. Kumar, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Itanagar-791 113, Arunachal Pradesh, India; e-mail: anil_rathi@yahoo.com.