Abstract

Vultures, nature’s most efficient scavengers, are on the verge of extinction.  Nine species of vultures were recorded from the Indian sub-continent, of which, five belong to the genusGyps while the others are monotypic. Historically, and until recently, the White-backed vulture Gyps bengalensis, Long-billed vulture Gyps indicus and Slender-billed Gyps tenuirostris vultures were by far the most populous species in India. Over the last decade, however, there has been a drastic crash in the populations of these vultures over most parts of the country. Eurasian Griffon was recorded for the first time on 21 February, 2008 in Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh. Study carried out from March, 2003 - December, 2008 has claimed, sightings and nesting sites of vultures in (Sheopur, Morena Datia, Gwalior and Tikamgarh district) north Madhya Pradesh, India were recorded.

Key words: Vulture, Gyps spp., Kuno, sanctuary, scavenger.