Nest records, Nest Site selection of Gyps bengalensis White-rumped Vulture and the role of Feeding Station in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Active nests of Gyps bengalensis White-rumped Vulture depends on elevation and aspects for nest site selection, while feeding station plays a significant role for determining the position of the nesting sites.This study attempted to record nest count for the breeding period 2018, identify key variables for the nest site selection and understand the role of feeding station in the nest site selection. Nest counts were conducted during the breeding period, each nest was categorized into active and inactive nest based on assesment of different components. Simultaneously, different variables (tree height, tree species, elevation and aspect) were recorded for each nest. Aerial distance was used to determine the role of feeding station for selecting the nesting sites. From the 24 nesting sites, 352 active nests were recorded, and a significant Pearsons correlation for elevation and aspect were drawn. We found, vulture prefer single tree species for nesting. We also found that, 71% (n = 17) nesting sites located within radial distance of 20 km of the feeding station. High congregration of active nests within short radial distance from feeding station, signify the positive impact of management of feeding station by the wildlife wing of Forest department since 2008, for the ex-situ conservation of critically endangered Gyps bengalensis White-rumped Vulture