Wayanad Vulture Survey Records 65 Birds: Key Facts for Exams

A two-day synchronous vulture survey in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, on 26 and 27 September 2026 recorded 65 vultures. Of these, 54 were white-rumped vultures and 11 were red-headed vultures. As of 4 October 2026 the survey is complete. The only source supplied for the result is a GKToday report dated 3 October 2026, so the report date is a week after the fieldwork.

Wayanad vulture survey 2026: the key facts

Why this survey matters

Both species recorded are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, according to the source. Counting them at known sites shows whether they are still present in a protected area. Regular monitoring also helps record distribution, movement patterns and mortality risks. A synchronous survey, where several teams observe at the same time, is meant to reduce the chance that the same bird is counted twice. The source does not describe the exact counting protocol, so that is an inference from the term itself.

Background for exam preparation

About Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary lies in Wayanad district, Kerala, and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. A Malayalam Wikipedia entry says it was established in 1973, covers about 345 sq km, is the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and was brought under Project Elephant in 1991–92. It borders protected areas in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, including Nagarhole, Bandipur and Mudumalai. These are encyclopedia details, so confirm them against an official source before using them in an answer.

Vultures and the diclofenac threat

Vultures are scavengers that feed on carcasses and help remove waste naturally. The GKToday report says India has nine vulture species, including the white-rumped and red-headed. It names diclofenac, a veterinary drug, as linked to a major vulture decline in South Asia. It also lists poisoning and electrocution among the threats in India. The Wikipedia entry adds that vultures eating diclofenac-contaminated livestock remains can suffer severe poisoning, including kidney failure.

Quick revision points

• Survey dates: 26–27 September 2026; total 65 birds.
• Species: white-rumped (54) and red-headed (11); both Critically Endangered per the source.
• Partners: Kerala Forest Department, WWF-India and the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology.
• Key threat to remember: diclofenac, alongside poisoning and electrocution.

This summary is a revision aid. It does not suggest that any exam will ask about this survey.

What the evidence does not tell us

• No trend can be drawn. The supplied report gives no earlier survey figure for comparison. The Malayalam Wikipedia page mentions roughly 150 vultures and 17 nests in February 2016, and about 11 nests that March. Those figures come from a different count with unstated methods, so they should not be compared with 65.
• The count's meaning is unclear. The source does not say whether 65 is a minimum count of individuals or whether it includes nests or immature birds.
• No primary statement was supplied. There is no Forest Department or WWF-India release in the evidence. The result rests on one secondary report, so check an official release if you need to cite it.

FAQ

How many vultures were recorded in Wayanad?

The survey recorded 65: 54 white-rumped and 11 red-headed vultures.

When did the survey take place?

It took place on 26 and 27 September 2026 and was reported on 3 October 2026.

Does 65 mean the vulture population is rising or falling?

The evidence does not say. A single count cannot show a trend without a comparable earlier survey.