Vulture Population in Pokhara, Nepal, Rises by 22% Amid Global Decline; 8 of the World’s 23 Species Found in Nepal

The vulture population in Nepal’s famous city of Pokhara and its surrounding areas has increased by 22%, according to the latest vulture census conducted on International Vulture Conservation Day. The census recorded a rise in the number of vultures from 378 in 2023 to 471, as reported by Manshant Ghimire, Chairperson of the Pokhara Birds Society.

The Society carried out the census simultaneously at eight key vulture habitats and landfill sites across the Kaski and Tanahu districts. Ghimire mentioned that the count also showed a modest rise in the vulture population in Tanahu, Nepal.

The endangered white-rumped vulture was found in the highest numbers during the survey, while the golden vulture, small grey vulture, and dongor vulture also recorded slight increases. However, Ghimire expressed concern over the declining numbers of the Himalayan vulture.

Globally, there are 23 species of vultures, with eight found in Nepal, as noted by the Society. These scavenger birds are on the brink of extinction due to habitat encroachment, habitat loss, deforestation, industrial pollution, and the depletion of water bodies, among other factors.

Despite these challenges, the gradual increase in vulture numbers has brought optimism to ornithologists. Ghimire emphasized that the Pokhara Birds Society has been conducting vulture censuses since 2017, and the recent figures offer a glimmer of hope for the conservation of these critically endangered birds.

Vultures are often regarded as nature’s sanitation service due to their crucial role in removing dead animals that harbor bacteria and pathogens from the environment. Without them, the risk of disease spreading increases significantly.