Chennai: Written off as a dying species, vultures are making a comeback. For years, their numbers dwindled, pushed by habitat loss, poisoning and a shrinking food supply. But now, something has changed.
A census by wildlife authorities across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala shows a rise in two critically endangered vulture species — white-rumped and the long-billed vultures. In Tamil Nadu alone, the white-rumped vulture population grew from 210 in 2024 to 288 in 2025. Long-billed vultures increased from 41 to 50.
This year’s survey recorded 60 vulture nests, down seven from 2024, but with an increase in the number of birds per nest.
Forest secretary Supriya Sahu said the growth is because of stronger conservation efforts and better protection. Researchers attribute this development to two key factors — conducive environment for breeding and adequate availability of food. These elements are critical for the sustenance and revival of vulture populations, which have been severely impacted in the past.
Former Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) deputy director and independent raptor researcher Vibu Prakash said the report on the synchronised vulture survey 2025 in the Nigiri Biosphere Reserve is impressive. The methodology followed for the survey was well-suited for the landscape and the trained people carried out the count systematically, he said.
“The vulture population is still small in the region but it’s stable and growing. Regular surveys over the next few years will help track progress and measure the impact of conservation efforts initiated by the state forest department and NGOs.”
For now, the sight of vultures circling above Tamil Nadu’s forests is a sign of hope.