Madhya Pradesh has reported the highest number of vulture populations in the country after the conclusion of the first phase of the 2025 vulture census. According to the state Forest Department, the total number of vultures in the state was 12,981. In the last census, there were 10,845 vultures in the state.

The second phase of the vulture census will be conducted on 29th April 2025 by the state Forest Department.

Vulture Census in Madhya Pradesh

The first phase of the 2025 vulture census was conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department from 17-19 February 2025. The census was conducted across all the forested areas, national parks, tiger reserves and sanctuaries of the state.

The Forest Department has been conducting the vulture census in the state since 2016. In 2016 there were 6 thousand 999 vultures in the state.

The next census was conducted in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2025.

In 2024, 10,845 vultures were counted in the state.

Vultures and their Species in Madhya Pradesh

In the world, there are 23 types of vulture species, of which 9 species are found in the country. Madhya Pradesh is home to seven species of vultures.

Four vulture species - Indian Long Wild Vulture, Chamaar Vulture, Gobar Vulture or Egyptian Vulture, and Red Head (Raj Giddha) are indigenous to the state.

Three migratory vulture species- Himalayan Griffon Vulture, European Griffon, and Cenarius Vulture (Black Vulture)- come to the state in the winter season and leave before the start of the summer season.

Two-Phase Vulture Census

The 2025 vulture census will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will be conducted in February and the next will be held on 29th April 2025.

This will give an accurate picture of the total vulture population in the state and the exact population of the native and migratory birds.

Threat to Vulture Population in India

India was once home to around 5 crore vulture population. However, due to the use of diclofenac, a cheap non-steroidal painkiller for cattle, the population of vultures dropped alarmingly in the country, and it became nearly extinct.

Vulture, which consumes dead cattle treated with diclofenac, suffered kidney failure and died.

To protect the vulture population in the country, the government banned the sale and use of diclofenac for cattle in 2006.

Since then, and due to the conservation efforts of the government, the vulture population in the country has been steadily increasing.

Importance of Vulture

Vultures play an important role in our ecosystem.
It is a scavenger which eats the dead animals. By consuming the dead animals it helps in nutrient recycling, removal of soil and water contaminants, and regulates the spread of diseases.
The rotting dead animals are ideal for the breeding of bacteria and pathogens, which, if left unchecked, can contaminate the soil and water resources of the region and spread the disease.
The vulture, by eating the dead animal's body, leaves little food for the wild dogs. Thus, it helps in controlling the population of the wild dogs.
These wild dogs often bite humans leading to fatal rabies disease.

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