MP Prepares for High-Tech Vulture Census, Staff Given Special Training to Track 7 Species

Umaria: Madhya Pradesh is set to conduct its vulture census in a high-tech manner for the first time, with officials adopting a mobile-based digital system to ensure faster and more transparent data collection. The vulture census will be carried out from February 20 to February 22 using the Epicollect5 mobile application.

The initiative will be implemented across districts including Shahdol, Anuppur, Umaria, and the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, where more than 250 forest personnel will participate in the statewide winter vulture census for the year 2025-26.

Special Workshop Held at Bandhavgarh Eco Centre

A training workshop was organised at the Eco Centre in Tala, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, where more than 50 officers and field staff were trained in the new digital counting method. The workshop witnessed participation from sub-divisional forest officers and range officers from North Shahdol, South Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

Members of the Vulture Committee and master trainer Dilsher Khan briefed officials about vulture habitats and species found in Madhya Pradesh. Another expert, Mohan Nagwani, conducted a detailed session on operating the Epicollect5 app, including uploading data, recording sightings, and attaching photographs.

Digital Counting to Ensure Transparency

Officials stated that the use of the app will significantly improve transparency and reduce time consumption. During the census, field staff will capture photographs of vultures on-site and upload the information directly into the app along with location-based details.

Seven Species Under Close Observation

Currently, four vulture species are known to inhabit Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:

• Indian Vulture (Long-billed Vulture)
• White-rumped Vulture
• Red-headed Vulture (King Vulture)
• Egyptian Vulture

Experts have also expressed hope that three additional species may be sighted during the census:

• Himalayan Griffon
• Eurasian Griffon
• Cinereous Vulture

Over 250 Personnel to be Deployed

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Field Director Dr. Anupam Sahay highlighted the importance of the statewide vulture census in strengthening conservation efforts. He instructed senior officers to further train field teams for smooth implementation of the digital process.

Around 150 personnel will be deployed on the ground, while nearly 100 officers and staff members will monitor and supervise the operations, taking the total workforce involved to approximately 250.

Vultures Play a Vital Ecological Role

Dr. Sahay also emphasized that vultures play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by consuming animal carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases, thereby keeping the environment clean and healthy.

The introduction of a mobile app-based system is expected to make the census more efficient and accurate, marking a major step forward in wildlife monitoring and conservation in Madhya Pradesh.