BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh recorded 10,742 vultures in its statewide summer census conducted from May 22 to May 24, 2026, the Forest Department said on Sunday.
The survey was conducted from sunrise to 9 a.m. across 16 forest circles, nine tiger reserves, areas under the State Forest Development Corporation, and other protected zones. Forest staff and volunteers used a dedicated mobile application for real-time data entry, enabling faster compilation of results.
Officials said the state first conducted a coordinated vulture census in 2016, which recorded 7,028 vultures. The latest figures show a steady increase: 9,509 vultures in 2025 and 10,742 in 2026, indicating improved conservation outcomes.
This year’s count includes 9,394 adult vultures and 1,348 juveniles. Authorities said both winter and summer censuses were carried out in 2026, with the summer phase completed fully through digital tools for the first time.
Forest officials said trained personnel, including master trainers, NGO representatives, scientists, students, and local volunteers, participated in the exercise. The census protocol counted vultures only at nesting and roosting sites, excluding birds in flight.
Data from across the state is being compiled at a control room set up at Van Vihar National Park, officials added.
