121 vultures found during census in Nilgiris district

UDHAGAMANDALAM: A three-day census in the North Division of Nilgiris district revealed the presence of 121 endangered vulture species, a senior forest department official said today.

The vulture census was carried out from May 1-3, being the first time in South India, with the assistance of college students and NGOs, at Anaikatti, Seegur and nearby areas, which showed the presence of three types of vultures, North Division DFO, Soundarapandian said.

There were 73 White Ramped Vultures in the area, followed by 46 Long Bind and two rare Red Headed. However, Egyptian vulture was not found, he said.

Stating that there existed nine types of vultures in India, of which only four were found in Southern parts, he said hardly 10 per cent of vultures was existing in North India.

Presence of 70 to 100 elephants, four tigers, three leopards, and 650 bisons was also noticed in the division, during the census, Soundarapandian said.