Anjaneri reserved forest: A potential vulture habitat

Vultures are important scavengers in ecosystem, and their decline can have severe ecological and cultural implications.In this study, we surveyed the habitat and population of vultures in the Anjaneri Reserve Forest, Maharashtra, India.The study was carried out from January 2019 to May 2020, and the survey was conduct once a week each month.We used binoculars and a DSLR camera to observe and photograph vultures and searched for vulture nesting based on white excreta and prior information from forest guards and locals.Our results indicate the presence of three vulture species in the reserve forest, with at least 32 Gyps vultures present at one time.All the nests of Gyps bengalensis were found on mature trees, while Gyps indicus nesting found on cliffs.Our study highlights the importance of monitoring vulture populations and their habitats to promote conservation efforts and protect these critical species.