Mayank Judal
This project employs a socio-ecological approach to enhance livestock carcass disposal practices for Egyptian vulture conservation in India. The predictable availability of livestock carcasses at unregulated dumping sites has altered natural scavenging dynamics, intensifying competition among scavengers and threatening the survival of vultures. This challenge is particularly critical in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, which harbors one of the largest Egyptian vulture populations in the state. At these sites, vultures face significant competition from feral dogs, which not only reduces their feeding efficiency but also heightens conservation challenges for this endangered species. To address these issues, the project integrates ecological research with community engagement. Using camera traps, we aim to monitor scavenger feeding behaviors, interspecies interactions, and the environmental and carcass-related factors influencing utilization. Special focus will be given to understanding the impact of competition on vultures, which rely heavily on these dumping sites for food. These data will provide valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of scavengers, aiding in the development of effective conservation measures.
An Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) perched on a livestock carcass, carefully observing its surroundings amidst a dumping site. ©Mayank Judal.
In parallel, the project seeks to involve local communities, Panjrapol trusts, and stakeholders directly responsible for carcass disposal. Many community members lack awareness of vultures' ecological importance and can’t identify Egyptian vultures as vultures. Through awareness programs, workshops, and educational materials in local languages, the project will highlight vultures' role in maintaining ecosystem balance and how they are directly connected to vultures by their livestock. Stakeholder interviews will help uncover perceptions of scavenging species and carcass disposal, creating a foundation for tailored conservation solutions.
The outcomes from this project will help in improved carcass management practices, reduced competition for vultures at dumping sites, and increased community awareness about vulture conservation. These findings will be shared with policymakers and conservation organizations to inform broader strategies for vulture conservation. The project’s recommendations, including site-specific guidelines for sustainable carcass disposal, will aim to balance the needs of local communities with the ecological requirements of vultures and other scavengers. By addressing both the ecological and social dimensions of the issue, this project aspires to make a long-term impact on the conservation of Egyptian vultures and other threatened scavengers in human-modified landscapes. Its findings will serve as a model for addressing similar challenges in other regions across India and beyond.