Rare Egyptian vultures sighted in Odisha

Rare Egyptian vultures have been spotted near Laxmipur in Chikiti forest range of Odisha's Ganjam district and the forest department intends to carry out a survey of the birds.
"A survey should be conducted and their nesting site located," said honorary wildlife warden of Khurda Pityush P Mohapatra.
A bird-watcher recently sighted 13 such birds and reported it to the divisional forest officer, Berhampur.
Backing Mohapatra's view, DFO (Berhampur) S S Mishra said "The sight of vultures indicates a healthy and rich biodiversity of the area. We will soon launch a survey."
The Berhampur forest division plans to submit a proposal to the wildlife wing of the forest department to take up a project to conserve the endangered species.

The action plan will be prepared after a detailed survey, said Mishra.

Locals have sighted these vultures at different places in the rainy season and say that they fed on fish and small animals.
The number of vultures in south Asia, mainly in India and Nepal, has declined drastically over the last few years.
Residues of poisonous veterinary drug in the animal carcasses are a major reason behind the trend, said Swaparna Rani Das, a zoologist.
The government has already banned the drug, she added.