Madhya Pradesh has become the state with highest number of vultures in India, according to the 2025 state-level vulture census conducted by Forest Department. The census revealed that vulture population in state has risen to 12,981 from 8,397 in 2019—a remarkable 35% increase over six years. This success is attributed to effective conservation efforts, improved habitat management, and reduced use of harmful veterinary drugs.
Key Highlights
Record Population Growth:
- Vulture count increased from 8,397 (2019) to 12,981 (2025), marking a 35% rise.
- Reflects the effectiveness of conservation programs and habitat protection measures.
Conservation Success Factors:
- Improved habitat management and better availability of food.
- Reduction in the use of harmful drugs such as diclofenac in livestock, which previously caused mass vulture deaths.
- Enhanced awareness campaigns and conservation initiatives have played a key role.
Census Details:
- The state-level vulture census has been conducted periodically since 2016.
- Surveyed across 16 circles, 64 divisions, and 9 protected areas during the ideal winter season for vulture observation.
About Vulture Species and Their Significance
Vulture Species in India: India is home to nine species of vultures, with four classified as Critically Endangered and one as Endangered per the IUCN Red List.
Critically Endangered Species:
- Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus); found mainly in northern and central India.
- Indian White-backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis); widely distributed but severely declining.
- Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus); distinguished by its red head, prevalent in southern and central India.
- Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris); primarily in western India.
Endangered Species:
- Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus); smaller and recognized by its white plumage and yellow face.
Near Threatened Species:
- Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus)
- Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
- Himalayan Vulture (Gyps himalayensis)
Least Concern:
- Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
Ecological Importance:
- Vultures are crucial for ecosystem health, as they help in cleaning up carcasses and controlling disease spread.
- Madhya Pradesh’s success in vulture conservation now earns it the title of “vulture state”—joining its accolades as the tiger state and cheetah state.
State Recognition:
Madhya Pradesh, already known for its highest tiger population and the introduction of cheetahs in Kuno National Park, has now earned the tag of “vulture state” for having the largest number of scavenger birds in India.