Status and conservation of critically endangered White-rumped vulture Gyps bengalensis in Katerniaghat wildlife sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Population estimates of species are essential for their management and conservation in National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India. Most of the protected areas are lacking baseline data on population trend of species over the years except for charismatic species, such as the Tiger, Asian elephant and Indian rhinoceros. Vulture population has declined in India during past two decades due to various reasons, the main reason being introduction of anti-inflammatory drug diclofenacto reduce pain in cattle as suggested by scientists and researchers. They die due to renal failure triggered by diclofenac poisoning. Katerniagaht Wildlife Sanctuary still supports White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis population that may serve as a source population for inhabiting adjacent suitable areas in due course of time. Data on population status of White-rumped Vulture is useful for comparing population trends over the years and identifying priority sites for its conservation within the Sanctuary.