Scientists and wildlife enthusiasts are excited about seeing bearded vultures in Himachal Pradesh, near the Chinese border.
Now that vultures have tragically become a rare sight in India, seeing nearly 200 of them is a thrilling event – even though bearded vultures (Gypaetus barbatus) are not presently an endangered species.
According to forest officials, bearded vultures were spared India’s massive diclofenac poisoning that killed over 97% of the country’s vultures because they inhabit higher elevations in regions where cattle have not been given the anti-inflammatory drug.
Although other vulture species have disappeared from the state’s lower elevations, Sanjeeva Pandey, State Chief Conservator of Forests, is hopeful that the bearded vulture can be protected.
A proper survey should be conducted to make plans for their breeding and conservation … While the dwindling vulture population in lower parts of Himachal is a cause of concern, their presence in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti gives us hope.
The bearded vulture has a wide range, occurring throughout mountainous regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Birdlife International, the official Red List authority for birds for the IUCN, classifies the species as Least Concern, as it does not meet the criteria for Vulnerable. Although the population trend is decreasing, the rate is not rapid enough at this time to warrant a more urgent status.
The bearded vulture
Bearded vultures crack open large bones by dropping them on rocks to get a the marrow. It is said to take seven years for the vulture to learn this skill.
Check out the bearded vulture breaking bones:
A few quick facts about the bearded vulture:
- Old World vulture
- Only member of the genus Gypaetus
- Also called the Lammergeier (“lamb catcher”) because it was once believed that bearded vultures killed lambs
- Diet consists of 90% bone marrow
And the “beard”? It’s actually a long tuft of feathers.
Learn more about vultures:
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
About Rhishja Cota-Larson
Scientists and wildlife enthusiasts are excited about seeing bearded vultures in Himachal Pradesh, near the Chinese border…..
WOW…I AM THRILL MYSELF !!!
‘BEARDED VULTURES’ eh ?
TOO GOOD TO BE ‘vultures’ REALLY….
200 IS ALOT FOR A RARE SPECIE…