Jaipur, Nov. 11 -- Rajasthan has emerged as one of India's most critical strongholds for the survival of vultures, according to the Pan-India Vulture Population Assessment (2023-25) released on November 06 by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The comprehensive study - the first systematic nationwide survey of critically endangered vulture species - highlights that Rajasthan supports some of the country's largest nesting colonies and wintering grounds. Covering 17 states and 216 vulture sites, the study underscores Rajasthan's pivotal role in sustaining both breeding and migratory populations. The state recorded 49 confirmed nesting sites of the four resident Gyps vultures - among the highest in the country - and, along with Madhya Pradesh, accounted for nearly half of all active nesting colonies nationwide. Rajasthan alone reported 352 Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus) nests, of which 259 were active, representing an estimated 518-704 breeding adults. The report identifies Rajasthan's carcass dump sites - particularly Jorbeer near Bikaner - as some of Asia's largest vulture congregation areas. Surveys conducted during the winter months recorded 7,715 Egyptian Vultures, 2,800 Eurasian Griffons, 890 Himalayan Griffons, and 70 Cinereous Vultures at these locations. These sites serve as crucial feeding grounds for both resident and migratory vultures arriving from across the subcontinent and Central Asia. The study raises alarm over the near disappearance of the Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), which was found nesting at only one site in Rajasthan - the Desert National Park. Once common across western Rajasthan, this solitary nesting species has suffered severe population loss due to habitat degradation and poisoning from veterinary drugs such as diclofenac. Despite encouraging numbers of Indian and Egyptian Vultures, the WII report warns that Rajasthan's vulture habitats face mounting pressures from urban expansion, unregulated carcass dumping, and competition from feral dogs. Many historical nesting sites have vanished, and across India, only about 13% of previously known White-rumped Vulture colonies remain active - indicating how fragile the recovery remains. The WII has called for immediate and coordinated conservation measures in Rajasthan. It recommends stronger protection of known nesting trees and colonies both inside and outside protected areas such as Desert National Park and Mount Abu Sanctuary. The report also urges stricter regulation and scientific maintenance of carcass dump sites to ensure safe, drug-free food for vultures, alongside control of feral dog populations that compete for carcasses. The study further emphasizes community participation, encouraging citizen-science monitoring through platforms like eBird to track nesting and population changes. As per the report, vulture populations in India are now critically low and highly fragmented, persisting in small, scattered pockets across the country. This fragmented distribution presents a significant challenge for population assessments. Each vulture species contributes to this complexity, as few remain broadly distributed and far-ranging, while others are restricted to specific strongholds, necessitating different approaches for accurate assessment. During the nationwide vulture population assessment survey, 35 carcass dump sites were documented across nine states to record the presence of migratory vultures and other raptor species. Of these, 30 were major carcass dumping grounds used by local communities to dispose of dead cattle, while the remaining five were designated 'vulture restaurants' actively managed by the respective State Forest Departments. Rajasthan recorded the highest number of carcass dumping sites (12), Gujarat (4) and Uttar Pradesh (3). The report underscores that timely intervention in the state could determine the future of some of the world's most threatened scavengers - making Rajasthan a conservation hub....