Moyar Valley (Tamil Nadu)

Mapping

Source: TNIE

 Context: Recent surveys show an increase in vulture numbers, highlighting the Moyar Valley’s importance as a nesting site for critically endangered Gyps vultures

About Moyar Valley:

It is located in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and is the only region with the largest nesting colony of Gyps vultures in the wild. This entire stretch is an important biome in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

About Gyps indicus (also known as the Indian vulture or White-backed vulture)

They are characterized by whitish feathers on a dark head and neck, with a pale collar. They are colonial nesters and often found in flocks. However, their population is declining rapidly. They primarily inhabit open grasslands in states like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Classified as critically endangered by the IUCN and listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act-1972, conservation efforts include banning non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac and Ketoprofen for veterinary use, along with the implementation of the Vulture Action Plan 2020-25.

About Vultures:

It is one of the 22 species of large carrion-eating birds that live predominantly in the tropics and subtropics. They act an important function as nature’s garbage collectors and help to keep the environment clean of waste. India is home to 9 species of Vulture namely the Oriental white-backed (Indian Vulture), Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous and the Eurasian Griffon.

Bearded, Long-billed, Slender-billed, and Oriental white-backed are protected in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Rest are protected under ‘Schedule IV’.