Madhya Pradesh has become the state with the largest vulture population in India, representing a significant achievement in wildlife conservation. The first phase of the 2025 vulture census reveals that the state’s vulture population has grown to 12,981, up from 10,845 in 2024 and 8,397 in 2019. This consistent increase underscores the success of the conservation efforts put in place over the years. Initiated in 2016, the vulture census is vital for monitoring population trends and ensuring the survival of these essential scavengers.
The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has been conducting systematic vulture censuses since 2016 to monitor the population closely. The 2025 census is divided into two phases, with the first conducted from February 17th to 19th and the second scheduled for April 29th. The survey covers 16 circles, 64 divisions, and 9 protected areas, including national parks, tiger reserves, and other wildlife sanctuaries across the state. These extensive efforts aim to provide an accurate count and help implement better conservation strategies.
Madhya Pradesh hosts seven of the nine vulture species that can be found in India. This includes four resident species: the Indian Long-billed Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, and Red-headed Vulture, along with three migratory species: the Himalayan Griffon, Eurasian Griffon, and Cinereous Vulture. The census takes place in winter, a time when both resident and migratory vultures are more easily counted, leading to more accurate population estimates.
