Vulture diversity and long-term trends in the Ranikhet region, Kumaon Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

Vultures are keystone species in maintaining ecosystem health, but their populations have experienced catastrophic declines across the Indian subcontinent in last three decades. The study was conducted in the Ranikhet region of Kumaon Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India in 2021–2024 covering different seasons. Through opportunistic sightings we documented 90 distinct records comprising 326 individuals representing six species: Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis, Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus, White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis, Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus, and Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus. Himalayan Griffon and Egyptian Vulture dominated the observations (92.7% of total individuals). Critically Endangered species showed alarmingly low numbers, and no breeding or nesting activity was observed for any species. Historical comparison spanning nine decades (1931–2024) revealed local extirpations of Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus and Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris. Our findings highlight urgent conservation needs and emphasize the necessity of monitoring primary regional threats including NSAIDs and poison baits, while waste disposal sites offer opportunities for targeted surveillance and intervention.