Description

ABSTRACT

Chenab region of Jammu and Kashmir is also called as erstwhile district Doda which comprises of the Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban located in the middle and outer Himalayan chain of North West Himalayas of Pir Panchal region. Vultures feathered creature is not so melodious as compared to other birds species but they play an important role in the ecosystem and keep it clean by feeding on cascasses and efficiently disposes the decaying matter and thus preventing epidemic.There are 9 species of vulture have been reported from India. Among them four are critically endangered, One endangered; three are threatened and one least concern as per the IUCN status; but during the last two decades the population of vulture decline drastically. This decline in Vulture population is attributed to the use of diclofenac in the animal farms, habitat loss, human interference, diseases, and low availability of food. The present article has reported three species of vulture from Chenab region along with their distribution and status and the study was carried from March 2018 to March 2020.

Keywords: Diversity, Chenab region, Jammu and Kashmir, Himalayas, Vulture, Endangered, Doda