Rare Egyptian vultures have been spotted near Laxmipur in Chikiti forest range of Odisha’s Ganjam district. The forest department intends to carry out a survey of the birds.
“A survey should be conducted and their nesting site located,” said wildlife warden of Khurda Pityush P. Mohapatra.
A bird-watcher recently sighted 13 such birds and reported it to the divisional forest officer, Berhampur.
Backing Mr. Mohapatra’s view, DFO (Berhampur) S S Mishra said, “The sight of vultures indicates a healthy and rich biodiversity of the area. We will soon launch a survey.”
The Berhampur forest division plans to submit a proposal to the wildlife wing of the forest department to take up a project to conserve the endangered species.
The action plan will be prepared after a detailed survey, said Mr. Mishra.
The number of vultures in south Asia, mainly in India and Nepal, has declined drastically over the last few years.
