📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / T. R. Shankar Raman
Science
Vulture Numbers Double in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, 388 Birds Recorded in 2026
✍️ Amar Ujala · Madhya Pradesh
🗓 06 Nov 2026, 11:36 AM
👁 8
The vulture population in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve rose from 172 in 2021 to 388 in May 2026, covering seven species.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, located in Madhya Pradesh’s central plateau, has become a notable sanctuary for avian scavengers. Recent wildlife surveys conducted by the reserve’s management team recorded a significant rise in the number of vultures inhabiting the area.
In 2021, the reserve counted 172 vultures. A May 2026 census, however, revealed that the population had surged to 388 individuals, more than doubling the previous count over a six‑year span.
The reserve now hosts seven distinct vulture species, including the Indian white‑backed vulture, Indian griffon, and slender-billed vulture, among others. This diversity underscores the ecological importance of Bandhavgarh as a safe haven for these birds.
Conservationists view the growth as a positive outcome of ongoing anti‑poaching measures and habitat protection efforts. Continued monitoring will help ensure that the vulture population remains stable and that the reserve continues to support a healthy ecosystem.
In 2021, the reserve counted 172 vultures. A May 2026 census, however, revealed that the population had surged to 388 individuals, more than doubling the previous count over a six‑year span.
The reserve now hosts seven distinct vulture species, including the Indian white‑backed vulture, Indian griffon, and slender-billed vulture, among others. This diversity underscores the ecological importance of Bandhavgarh as a safe haven for these birds.
Conservationists view the growth as a positive outcome of ongoing anti‑poaching measures and habitat protection efforts. Continued monitoring will help ensure that the vulture population remains stable and that the reserve continues to support a healthy ecosystem.