The first ever vulture and raptor survey that concluded in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) on Sunday recorded 24 species of raptors and two vulture species.
Raptors come under Schedule I species of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and have apex predator status in an ecosystem.
The four-day survey was organised by the Forest and Wildlife Department in association with the Ferns Naturalists society, Malabar Natural History Society (MNHS), and the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology.
As many as 50 birdwatchers from across the State participated in the survey. Stationary counts for three hours was performed at 12 locations inside the sanctuary.
53 White-rumped vultures and five Red-headed vultures were recorded at Kakkapadam in the Muthanga forest range under the sanctuary on a spotted deer kill. Vultures were recorded from all the camping locations. A lesser-adjutant stork was also recorded at Doddakulassi.
The major species recorded during the survey are Legge’s Hawk Eagle, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Shikra, Booted Eagle, Common Kestrel, Crested- Hawk Eagle, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Black-kite, Black Eagle, Lesser-fish eagle, Crested-goshawk, Jerdons Baza, Common buzzard, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Greater -spotted Eagle, Shaheen falcon, and Eurasian Sparrow Hawk.
K.G Raghu, Sathyan Meppayur, K.G Dileep, E.S. Praveen, P.A. Vinayan, P.M. Mujeeb, Sabari Janaki, R.L. Rathish, S. Raju, A. Sujin, P.A. Ajayan, and Vijesh Vallikuunu lead various camps.
A. Sujin, P.A. Vinayan, and B. Vishnu coordinated the survey. Ornithologist C.K Vishnudas conducted an orientation session on vulture and raptor identification to the participants. Summer rain in the area on Friday and Saturday increased bird activities in the sanctuary, the participants said.
The team also surveyed 14 sub-cells as part of the Kerala Bird Atlas, an ongoing citizens science project.
