The Gujarat Ecological Education Research (GEER) Foundation along with Gujarat Forest department has planned to conduct a state-level vulture population survey on May 29 and 30. According to the 2007 census,1,437 vultures were recorded in Gujarat; which was nearly half the vulture population (2,647) reported in 2005. The two-day exercise will focus on determining population status of Gyps vultures in the state. The population estimate will be derived through direct head count. The (vulture) population in different districts will be enumerated by active participation of several birdwatchers and nature-lovers. The participants will also record other important information like threats,disturbances,health status and habitats or micro-habitats of the vultures, said GEER Foundation Director C N Pandey. Among the several vulture species in the state,Gyps vultures are specified as Critically Endangered. As far as Gujarat is concerned,White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Indian Long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus) are the two resident Gyps species that can be seen in the state throughout the year.
