Indore Vulture Census 2026: 156 Birds Counted, Key Species Missing

Final Census Report: 2025-26

156 vultures counted, but Indore skies lose White-rumped, Red-headed, and Long-billed species

By TINA KHATRI | February 22, 2026

The 2025-26 biannual vulture census in the Indore Forest Division concluded on Sunday with a total of 156 birds. While the number shows a short-term recovery, the total absence of three critical species raises urgent ecological concerns.

Choral Range: The Sanctuary Stronghold

Choral Range hosted 138 of the total birds, highlighting its ecological stability. In contrast, urbanization and habitat fragmentation in Indore, Mhow, and Manpur continue to drive species away.

Consolidated Three-Day Survey Results

Range	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3 (Final)
Choral	89	127	138
Indore	4	15	9
Manpur	2	5	6
Mhow	2	4	3
TOTAL	97	151	156

Why Missing Species are Critical

While the Egyptian Vulture remains resilient, the disappearance of these three species creates a void in the ecosystem:

• 1. White-rumped Vulture: Primary scavenger for large carcasses; prevents rapid disease spread.
• 2. Red-headed Vulture: Key to managing decay in forest and hilly terrains.
• 3. Long-billed Vulture: Completes nutrient cycles by consuming scraps and bone fragments.

Decade-long Decline (2016 - 2026)

Despite the modest 2026 increase, the long-term trend remains stark—a 66% decline since 2016.

Next Steps for Conservation

Sixteen trained teams used rigorous photographic protocols to ensure data accuracy. Moving forward, the Indore Forest Division will focus on habitat restoration in urban fringes and targeted protection of the Choral sanctuary to prevent further species loss.

Keywords: Indore Vulture Census Final Report, Egyptian Vulture Statistics, Choral Range Wildlife, Tina Khatri, Biodiversity Madhya Pradesh.