In Telangana’s Kaghaznagar Forest Division, one of the last strongholds of the critically endangered long-billed vulture is showing worrying signs of decline. A 14-year monitoring study has revealed that the species is breeding less successfully, with pollution in a key water source emerging as a major factor.
Researchers tracked 23 nests located across sandstone cliffs in the Palarapu and Lakkameda areas between 2010 and 2023. The region forms a vital ecological corridor connecting Kawal, Tadoba-Andhari, and Indravati Tiger Reserves. The long-billed vulture, known to raise only one chick a year, requires stable habitat and clean resources to sustain its slow reproductive cycle.
From 161 nesting attempts recorded in the study, 116 eggs were laid and 85 chicks successfully fledged. However, nesting activity has sharply reduced in recent years, dropping from 23 active nests in 2019 to only one in both 2022 and 2023.
Researchers link the decline to toxic effluents released into the Peddavagu stream from the Sirpur Paper Mill. The stream is the main water source for vultures and other wildlife in the region. Water quality assessments in earlier studies found high concentrations of heavy metals including cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc, exceeding safety standards. Vultures, which drink large amounts of water after feeding, are particularly vulnerable to such contamination.
Environmental conditions also influenced breeding. Cooler years showed better hatching success, while heavy rainfall increased egg loss. Wind speed appeared beneficial as it reduced the energy required for adults to forage and helped maintain cooler nest temperatures. Additionally, nests located deeper within cliffs or with natural shade had higher survival rates, while those near human activity performed poorly.
India holds around 97 percent of the global population of the long-billed vulture, estimated at just over 12,000 individuals. While some northern states have seen signs of recovery, the slow decline in the Deccan region is considered alarming. Scientists warn that even a slight drop in breeding success can accelerate population loss because the species reproduces slowly and is exposed to multiple environmental hazards.
Researchers recommend regular necropsy of dead vultures, ongoing monitoring of water quality, strict controls on industrial discharge, protection of nesting cliffs, and the creation of Vulture Safe Zones in partnership with forest departments. Addressing these concerns, they say, is essential to prevent the collapse of one of India’s last remaining vulture strongholds.
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