JAIPUR: After studying migratory birds’ path, wildlife researchers have revealed that majority of population of Egyptian vultures coming to Jorbeer in Rajasthan and other parts of the country during winters come from Uzbekistan and other Central Asia countries.
Earlier, it was believed that the maximum population of Egyptian vultures found inside the country are residents and do not migrate from other countries. However, after following the path of three birds tagged by the Bulgarian Society For Protection of Birds, it was learnt that the majority of the Egyptian vultures have migrated.
Senior wildlife researcher and member of Raptors Research Foundation, Dau Lal Bohara said, “Although Egyptian vultures are not truly migratory. they do travel between resident and breeding areas to a greater extent than do most other vultures. The population of Egyptian vultures in Jorbeer was recorded at 2,600. Once these birds left to other places in the country, the number was reduced to 700.”
Researchers informed the three Egyptian vultures — Anya, Arys and Timur —, which had undergone their first autumn migrations, were tagged in Uzbekistan. Out of three tagged birds, two came to Rajasthan.
All three birds initially flew south over Turkmenistan before taking very different routes. Timur covered more than 3,800 miles (6200km), passing through Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia before settling in Yemen. This bird did not come to India.
However, Anya crossed onto Iran and flew over Afghanistan, Pakistan before coming to Jorbeer after covering a distance of 1400 miles (2300km). She also visited areas including west of Shiv and Barmer since her arrival.
Similarly, Arya travelled approximately 930 miles (1500km), Afghanistan and Pakistan before also settling in Rajasthan. He crossed the border into Rajasthan/India on 18 September 2021, to reach Bhadriya (60 km east of Jaisalmer).
Vladimir Dobrev (Bulgaria), who is associated with the project said, this work was carried out within the framework of the OSME, Oriental Bird Club and Hawk Conservancy Trust Program to study migration routes and wintering sites for vultures nesting in Uzbekistan. “These birds were tagged in Kyzylkum Desert. The population in Uzbekistan is 135 pairs. Studying migration routes is one of the most important tasks in identifying threats to our vultures.”
Despite the site being of international importance, Rajasthan was not included in the Centre’s action plan for Vulture Conservation in India (2020-2025). Danveer Singh, a bird watcher said, “The birds of prey in Jorbeer, the preferred vulture habitat, are alarmingly falling prey to two medicines, Aceclofenac and ketoprofen administered by veterinarians in cattle. Moreover, mortality continuously occurs due to electrocution. A conservation plan for this site should be prepared,” he said.
