A new nationwide assessment by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has revealed that vultures have disappeared from nearly 72 percent of their historically known nesting sites across the country. The study, part of the Pan India Assessment and Monitoring of Endangered Species – Vultures programme, found that although nesting continues in some regions, populations remain extremely vulnerable and show little sign of meaningful recovery.
This is the first systematic national effort to document the nesting status of four critically endangered resident vulture species: the white-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, slender-billed vulture and red-headed vulture. Researchers examined historical nesting data from 425 sites across 25 states. However, field surveys conducted between February 2023 and January 2025 confirmed active nesting at only 120 of these locations. An additional 93 new nesting sites were identified, bringing the total to 213, nearly half of which fall within protected areas.
While the decline in vulture numbers stabilised after 2007, researchers say there has been no significant recovery. Among the species surveyed, the Indian vulture remains the most widespread, recorded at 110 nesting sites. Yet even it has disappeared from nearly 30 percent of its former range. The white-rumped vulture shows a more drastic collapse, persisting at only 69 of its previously documented 238 nesting sites. The slender-billed vulture faces the gravest situation: all 47 historically reported nesting sites were found abandoned, with the species now confined to a handful of newly identified nests in Upper Assam.
The report also highlights worrying changes in scavenger dynamics. Traditional carcass dumping sites, once frequented by resident vultures, were now dominated by migratory species such as the Eurasian Griffon and Egyptian Vulture. Resident vultures appear to have declined to levels where they can no longer effectively compete for carrion. At the same time, an increase in feral dog populations is disrupting feeding behaviour at carcass sites, further threatening vulture survival.
Researchers stress that the loss of nest trees, especially tall Bombax ceiba (silk cotton) trees in floodplain regions, has reduced nesting opportunities for species like the slender-billed vulture. Habitat degradation, combined with persistent risks from toxic anti-inflammatory drugs used in livestock treatment, continues to undermine conservation progress despite earlier bans.
The study notes that most surviving nesting strongholds are now concentrated in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, which together account for nearly two-thirds of all nests recorded. More than 60 percent of these lie within protected areas, underscoring the importance of forest and habitat safeguards.
The authors call for urgent, targeted conservation measures, including improved monitoring of nesting colonies, stricter regulation of drug residues in livestock carcasses, and controlled management of carcass dump sites to reduce interference from feral dogs. They also recommend identifying and protecting key nesting trees and restoring lost nesting habitats.
Lead researcher R. Suresh Kumar said the findings provide a crucial baseline for future conservation planning. “This assessment makes clear where vultures are managing to survive and where they have disappeared. Protecting these remaining nesting sites is essential if India is to prevent further loss of these species,” he said.
The report suggests that without immediate intervention, India risks losing some of its last remaining vulture populations, which play a vital role in controlling disease and maintaining ecological balance.