Endangered Egyptian vultures roosting at Yamuna

Endangered Egyptian vultures roosting on Yamuna bank

Ecologist and conservationist TK Roy, a regular visitor at Okhla Bird Sanctuary for years, has been monitoring Egyptian vultures which has flocked the Yamuna River.

“It’s good indication that disappeared endangered category of threatened Egyptian Vulture’s (Neophron percnopterus) number is increasing in Delhi. Wildlife Dept of NCT of the Delhi Government should initiate for its habitat development for sustainable conservation,” Roy told the OT over phone.

According to available data a flock of 58 Egyptian vultures has been roosting at a sandy island in the mid-point of the river Yamuna near ITO.

“The recordings have been made from the seasonal sandy-islands in the Yamuna over the past years. The increasing trend is a good indicator, as their population started declining in Delhi and across the country during the 90s. These are scavenger birds and play a key role in providing ecosystem services, as they feed on carrion and keep the environment clean. They also control the outbreak of diseases from decaying carrion,” said Roy.

He said during October and March, these birds are found at these islands.

“They find it safe, as there is no or little human intervention around this time. They move away from here once the water reduces and comes close to the sandbanks,” said Roy.