Katni (Madhya Pradesh): Surrounded by a chain of craggy hillocks and dark green woods, Katni is a home to 382 vultures. The latest census of vultures conducted by the forest department revealed this fact. In the hilly tracts of Kaimur at Vijayraghavgarh in the district, nestle the largest number 338 vultures.
Among them, the number of Indian Long-billed Vulture is very high. Besides, six Egyptian vultures nestle in the area. Similarly, there are 32 vultures in Katni and 12 in Rethi. As many as 192 nests of these vultures were discovered on the craggy hillocks and on the branches two huge trees. Forest circle officer of Vijayraghavgarh Vivek Jain said efforts were being made to protect vultures.
A campaign will be launched to make people aware about the importance of protecting vultures, he said. According to divisional forest officer Gaurav Sharma, the census of vultures is over, and 382 vultures have been found in Katni.
The Kaimur forest range has the largest number of vultures, he said, adding that there is an increase in the number of vultures. If proper care is taken, their number will increase further, he said. Two species of vulture were found in three ranges in the district during the census in six forest areas.
Their number has also increased; whereas in the census conducted last year, 174 vultures were found. In the district, the census was conducted in Katni, Barwara Barhi, Dhimarkheda, Bahoriband, and Rithi forest ranges. According to reports, there more than 600 vultures in the district, but according to the counting protocol, only sitting vultures were taken into consideration.
Vultures also called scavengers of nature consume 70 percent of bodies. In 1985, their number was five crore, but now, there are only 70,000 vultures.
According to wildlife experts, the number of stray dogs has increased because of decline in number of vultures. There are reports that because of the absence of vultures, the incidents of attack by stray dogs have increased. According to wildlife experts, out of 23 species of vulture across the world, nine are found in India, and seven of them are available in MP.
With inputs from Mohan Das Nagwani
