Indian Long-billed Vulture

• A rare sighting of an Indian Long-billed Vulture with its chick has been reported at Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary, Karnataka—India’s only vulture sanctuary, established in 2012 to protect endangered vultures like the Indian Long-billed Vulture and Egyptian Vulture.

About Indian Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus)

• Appearance: Medium-sized vulture with pale brown feathers, a semi-bald head, and a long, hooked bill.
• Habitat: Prefers cliffs, rocky crags, and open landscapes in central and southern India.
• Ecological Role: Acts as nature’s scavenger, preventing the spread of diseases by efficiently disposing of animal remains.

Concerns & Threats

• Drastic Population Decline: Over 97% decline since the 1990s, mainly due to diclofenac poisoning (a veterinary drug causing kidney failure).
• Ecological Imbalance: Fewer vultures have led to a rise in feral dogs and scavengers, increasing the risk of rabies and anthrax outbreaks.