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Egyptian Vulture Decline in Tamil Nadu

July 10 , 2026 15 hrs 0 min 41 0

Conservationists have urged urgent conservation measures for the Endangered Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) in Tamil Nadu, including a breeding programme.
The species has become locally extinct in the Nilgiris and has no confirmed active breeding sites in Tamil Nadu.
Major threats include diclofenac (veterinary Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)), electrocution, poisoning, habitat disturbance, and reduced food availability.
Fewer than 150 resident Egyptian Vultures are estimated to remain across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has proposed an Egyptian Vulture Conservation Breeding Programme in Tamil Nadu.
Potential conservation sites include Nilgiris, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, and Coimbatore, based on habitat suitability.