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Gyps bengalensis
– Critically Endangered
Taxonomy
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Kingdom:
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ANIMALIA
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Phylum:
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CHORDATA
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Class:
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AVES
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Order:
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FALCONIFORMES
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Family:
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ACCIPITRIDAE
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Scientific Name:
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Gyps bengalensis
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Species Authority:
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(Gmelin, 1788)
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Common Name/s:
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WHITE-RUMPED VULTURE (Eng)
VAUTOUR CHAUGOUN (Fre)
BUITRE DORSIBLANCO BENGALÍ (Spa)
BUITRE LEONADO BENGALÉS (Spa)
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Assessment Information
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Red List Category & Criteria:
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CR A2ce+3ce ver 3.1 (2001)
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Year Assessed:
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2004
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Assessor/s:
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BirdLife International
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Evaluator/s:
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Tobias, J., Crosby, M., Peet, N., Collar, N. & Benstead, P. (BirdLife International Red List Authority)
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Justification:
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This species qualifies as Critically Endangered because it has suffered an extremely rapid population decline, particularly across the Indian subcontinent, probably as a result of feeding on carcasses of animals treated with the veterinary drug diclofenac, perhaps in combination with other causes.
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History:
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| 1988 | - | Lower Risk/least concern (BirdLife International 2004) |
| 1994 | - | Lower Risk/near threatened (Collar, Crosby and Stattersfield 1994) |
| 2000 | - | Critically Endangered (BirdLife International 2000) |
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Geographic Range
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Range Description:
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Gyps bengalensis occurs in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and southern Vietnam, and is extinct in southern China and Malaysia. It has been recorded from south-east Afganistan and Iran where its status is currently unknown. Previously widespread and abundant across its range, it disappeared from most of South-East Asia in the early 20th century and now only occurs locally. Since 1996, it has suffered a catastrophic decline (over 95%2) in its remaining strongholds in Pakistan and India, although flocks are still present locally. It is described as 'still common' in Shan State (Myanmar)3. It is very rare in southern China.
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Range Map:
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 (click for detailed map)
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Countries:
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Native:
Afghanistan; Bhutan; Cambodia; India; Iran, Islamic Republic of; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Myanmar; Nepal; Pakistan; Thailand; Viet Nam
Vagrant:
Brunei Darussalam; Russian Federation
Regionally extinct:
Bangladesh; China; Malaysia
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Population
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Population Trend:
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Habitat and Ecology
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Habitat and Ecology:
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It occurs mostly in plains and less frequently in hilly regions where it utilises light woodland, villages, cities, and open areas. It feeds on carrion—in India, largely on cattle carcasses and human remains. It is social and usually found in conspecific flocks. It breeds in small colonies in tall trees, often near human habitation.
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System:
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Terrestrial
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Threats
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Threats:
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By mid-2000, Gyps vultures were being found dead and dying in Nepal, Pakistan, and throughout India, and major declines and local extirpations were being reported. Early evidence suggested that a viral disease may have been the causal agent, but there is now strong evidence that Gyps vultures are fatally susceptible to veterinary painkillers containing diclofenac1. Further research is required. Other suggested factors are changes in human consumption and processing of dead livestock, and poison and pesticide use, but these are only likely to be of minor significance. East of India, the near-total disappearance of the species pre-dated the present crisis, and probably results from the rarity there of large wild mammals and human consumption of deceased livestock.
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Conservation Actions
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Conservation Actions:
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Conservation measures underway:
CITES Appendix II. CMS Appendix II. It has been reported from many protected areas across its range.
Conservation measures proposed:
Identify the location and number of remaining individuals and identify action required to prevent extinction. Measure the frequency of diclofenac treated carcasses available to vultures. Establish a study group to coordinate collection and analysis of data and compile an action plan for Asian vultures. Gain government commitment to control veterinary use of diclofenac, and support species management or restoration, as needed. Initiate public awareness and public support programmes.
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