Despite nesting decline, Wayanad’s vultures still soar

The vulture population in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, the only place in Kerala where these large scavenger birds are found, has remained stable in recent years, thanks to the region’s healthy ecosystem. Although breeding has declined, experts say there is no immediate cause for concern.

In the latest counts, around 80 vultures were recorded in the sanctuary. On rare occasions, nearly 70 vultures were seen feeding on a single carcass, demonstrating the vitality of Wayanad’s ecosystem. Carcasses in the swampy grasslands, locally known as vayals, often attract two dozen vultures at a time.

Vultures are obligate aerial scavengers, feeding primarily on carcasses and helping prevent the spread of diseases in wildlife. “Unlike other forests in the State, Wayanad’s forests are less dense and have more grasslands or vayals,” said Varun Dalia, Warden of the sanctuary, explaining why the region is a haven for the winged scavengers.

A White-rumped vulture rescued from Nilambur struggles to take flight after being released in Muthanga, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
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SAKEER HUSSAIN

There are nearly 170 vayals of varying sizes in Wayanad, which forest officials describe as the “dining table” of herbivores. Rich in grasses and aquatic plants, these grasslands are a vital food source for deer, wild gaur, elephants and wild boars, which in turn support predators and scavengers in the forest ecosystem.

Vultures also serve as important indicators of forest health. The white-rumped vulture is the most common species in Wayanad, while red-headed and Indian vultures are also present. Migratory of species such as the Himalayan griffon, cinereous and Egyptian vultures are occasionally spotted.

Vultures eye their next meal from a tree branch at Kakkappadam in Muthanga range of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
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SAKEER HUSSAIN

C.K. Vishnudas, director of the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, who has monitored vultures in the Nilgiri biosphere reserve for many years, said the absence of toxic drugs like diclofenac and aceclofenac has helped maintain vulture populations in protected areas such as Wayanad, Bandipur, Nagarhole, Satyamangalam and Mudumalai.

Soaring high above Wayanad, an Indian vulture scans the land below.

“It is true that vulture breeding has declined in Wayanad, but that is not a cause for concern. Vulture nests are still abundant in Mudumalai,” he said, pointing out that the reasons for the drop in Wayanad need further study.

A white-rumped vulture at Muthanga in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
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SAKEER HUSSAIN

Rahul Raveendran, wildlife assistant at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, suggested that human activity and the spread of invasive plants may be contributing to the disappearance of vulture nests. “We used to find nests at sites such as Ayyappanpara, Kazhukankolli and Kaithallam, but no longer,” he said.

Human disturbances can disrupt vulture breeding, while invasive species like Senna threaten the growth of native trees, further impacting nesting and foraging habitats.