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India's Vultures Rebound as Conservation Efforts Show Promising Results
Vultures in India were once close to disappearing.
Now their numbers are starting to grow again.
Madhya Pradesh counted 12,981 vultures in 2025, the highest number among Indian states.
This was higher than the 10,845 counted there in 2024.
The number in Madhya Pradesh has generally increased since 2019, despite some changes between surveys.
Southern states are also seeing more vultures.
Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka counted 390 vultures together in 2025, compared with 320 previously.
Conservation work appears to be helping, but the birds still need continued protection.
Madhya Pradesh recorded India’s highest vulture population, with 12,981 birds in its 2025 census.
The Madhya Pradesh count rose from 8,397 in 2019 to 12,981 in 2025.
The state’s vulture population increased nearly 20% between 2024 and 2025.
A 2025 survey across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka recorded 390 vultures, up from 320.
Conservation gains are promising, but the recovery remains fragile and incomplete.
- Who
- Vultures, conservation workers and state authorities conducting population surveys.
- What
- Vulture numbers increased in Madhya Pradesh and in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
- Where
- Across India, particularly Madhya Pradesh and the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
- When
- The latest counts were conducted in 2025, with comparisons dating back to 2019 in Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- Sustained conservation efforts are contributing to the population recovery.
Key facts
- Madhya Pradesh 2025 count
- 12,981 vultures
- Madhya Pradesh 2024 count
- 10,845 vultures
- Madhya Pradesh 2019 count
- 8,397 vultures
- Madhya Pradesh annual increase
- Nearly 20% from 2024 to 2025
- Southern states 2025 count
- 390 vultures across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka
- Southern states previous count
- 320 vultures
- State breakdown
- Tamil Nadu: 157; Kerala: 125; Karnataka: 106









