Survey records 65 distinct vultures including 54 white-rumped and 11 red-headed in Wayanad
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims·
Biodiversity conservation and scavenger ecology: a relevant GS3 topic for wildlife protection strategies.
Why in news
A synchronous survey in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary recorded 65 distinct vultures, providing baseline data for monitoring critically endangered scavengers in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Background
The survey recorded 54 white-rumped vultures and 11 red-headed vultures across seven vantage points. It was a joint initiative by the Kerala Forest Department, Wayanad Wildlife Division, WWF-India, and the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentWhite-rumped and red-headed vultures are classified as critically endangered scavengers.
- PlaceWayanan Wildlife Sanctuary is located within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- FactThe survey recorded a total of 65 distinct vultures across 108 observations.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the vulture survey in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, consider the following statements:
- The survey recorded 54 white-rumped and 11 red-headed vultures.
- The survey recorded a total of 65 distinct vultures across 108 observations.
- The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located outside the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: It is located within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the ecological significance of vulture populations in maintaining forest health and evaluate the conservation strategies required to protect critically endangered scavengers in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Trophic role: Vultures as essential scavengers preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases and pathogens.
- Habitat fragmentation: Impact of land-use changes on nesting sites within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- Conservation monitoring: Importance of baseline data for long-term population viability assessments.
Keywords: Biodiversity conservation · Scavenger ecology · Baseline data · Critically endangered species · Biosphere Reserve
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