Vulture census in Tamil Nadu has indicated that the number of vultures in the state is on
the rise, as per the second synchronized vulture census undertaken by the Tamil Nadu Forest
Department with participation of neighboring states of Kerala and Karnataka.
The first landscape synchronized population estimation was conducted on 25th and 26th
February 2023, which estimated the total number of vultures as 246. This survey was carried out
in the Mudhumalai Tiger Reserve and the adjoining landscape consisting of Sathyamangalam
Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad in Kerala, Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Nagerhole Tiger
Reserve in Karnataka. These have historically supported the vulture population. This Notification was published on 25.01.2024.
In order to protect the last remaining breeding population of Vultures in south India the Government of Tamil Nadu under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has set up a State Level Committee to take comprehensive measures for Vulture Conservation headed by the Chief Wildlife Warden. The State has also implemented the ban on Diclofenac medicine for cattle treatment through the Director of Drugs Control. This medicine is a major cause of decline in vulture population. Multiple raids were conducted at various places in Tamil Nadu and 104 manufacturers, sellers of multi-dose Diclofenac have been prosecuted for sale of the banned drug. Regular inspections of pharmacies are being done. Awareness campaign for pharmacists and veterinarians have been organized. After postmortem the carcass is now left for vultures. In order to provide food for vulture, the Forest Department has decided to leave the carcass of wild animals after postmortem in the open as against the earlier practice of burying the carcass. Several water holes have been created in vulture habitats under various schemes of Government. Awareness programs with local communities are also being done separately.
