The recently concluded Synchronised Vulture Survey 2024 in the Moyar valley (Tamil Nadu) indicates a rise in number of birds against the earlier figures in February 2023.
- Moyar valley extends from Gudalur through the core area of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
- This entire stretch of nearly 85 km is a wildlife haven and important biome in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, sheltering several vital species like tiger and elephant and the critically endangered Gyps vulture.
- It is the only region in peninsular India where the biggest nesting colony of Gyps vultures in the wild is located.
- According to elders among tribals living along the valley, the region has remained a favourite of the vultures owing to the existence of cattle pens (‘patti’ in local parlance) for centuries till early 1990s.
