Population Status, Distribution Pattern and Habitat Preference of Vulture Species in Bundelkhand Region, Central India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59436/jsiane.553.2583-2093Keywords:
Vultures, population status, habitat preference, species distribution, Bundelkhand region, conservation ecology, scavenger birdsAbstract
Scavenging vultures play a significant role in the ecosystem as scavengers, removing carcasses thereby preventing outbreaks of infectious diseases. In the last few decades there has been a massive population crash of vultures in the Indian subcontinent due to anthropogenic and environmental factors such as loss of habitat, declining food availability, poisoning, drugs used in veterinary medicine, and climate-related factors. The present study aims to assess the population status and distribution of vultures in Bundelkhand region of Central India. The relative abundance of species, habitat used, breeding features of the vultures in the settlings, and their correlation with several environmental parameters were analysed. The study included characteristic habits of vultures and their habitat preferences. The area was sampled using singular point count methodology with road transects. Population estimation was done through ightsightings; day to day season and census showed the data in direct observations while characteristics of habitat proved the nesting sites, types of vegetation, food availability and climatic conditions. The characteristic habit of vultures such as perches and birds’ behaviour were also included in observations. Vultures especially nest at certain locations. When the rocky cliffs, edge of forests and open grassland patches as well as areas with adequate food resources are considered with variable habitat characteristics, somewhat greater numbers were always recorded. Human disturbances directly affect and modify the habits of vultus at such nearby localities globally were reflected in the population density at such locations. A strong climatic and habit-related effect was evident.
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