Observation of a population of Egyptian Vultures Neophron percnopterus in Ramanagaram Hills, Karnataka, southern India

Abstract

The results of counts at two different regular Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus feeding sites are presented for the Ramanagaram Hills Reserve Forest between 2013 and 2014 in Karnataka, southern India. The number of Egyptian Vultures recorded at feeding sites ranged from 2 to 19 individuals (mean 12.3 ±1.76 s.e.). The attitude of local people towards vulture conservation was assessed and more than 90% (90.82%) of respondents had a favourable opinion of vultures. We highlight that educating livestock owners, farmers and veterinary personnel is essential to secure healthy food for vultures.