Population status and breeding success of Himalayan Griffon, Egyptian Vulture and Lammergeier in Gherabhir, Arghakhanchi, Nepal

Abstract

The present study entitled ‘‘Population Status and Breeding Success of Himalayan Griffon, Egyptian vulture and Lammergeier in Gherabhir, Arghakhanchi, Nepal’’ focusing on vultures diversity, population status and their breeding success was conducted in newly discovered habitat Gherabhir Arghakhanchi from January to June 2010. The estimated population size of three vultures in Gherabhir Arghakhanchi using Jacknife technique was 74 individuals among them Himalayan Griffon was estimated to be 57, Egyptian vulture 10 and Lammergeier 6. The average flock size of vultures recorded was 64.71 with Standard deviation 6.72. The average flock size of Himalayan Griffon, Egyptian and Lammergeier were 48.71, 5 and 3.81 respectively with standard deviation of Himalayan Griffon, Egyptian and Lammergeier vultures were 5.09, 0.58 and 0.39 respectively. According to the Chi Square test there was no significant difference in the flock size of Himalayan Griffon, Egyptian vulture and Lammergeier in different months at Gherabhir Arghakhanchi in 2010 field season. Among 20 active nests only 13 nests were productive of Himalayan Griffon. Based on active nests as primary unit the breeding success of Himalayan Griffon was 65% while based on occupied nest as primary unit the breeding success was 46.43%. The breeding success of Lammergeier based on active nest as primary unit was 100% while based on occupied nest as primary unit was 50%. The breeding success of Egyptian vulture based on active nest as primary unit was 50% and based on occupied nest as primary nest was 33.33% in Gherabhir, Arghakhanchi in 2010 breeding season. Different public awareness programme were launched. Newspaper article and news were written and broadcast highlighting the vulture conservation in that area. Questionare survey was done to know the current trend on NSAIDs, their use and prevailing stocks in the Agro-vet shops of Arghakhanchi district. Thereafter Arghakhanchi district was declare as Diclofenac Free District.