From: Munir Virani <munir.virani@bigfoot.com>
Date: 2006-11-30 14:12
Subject: Vultures
Hi all:
Most of you may be aware that following
catastrophic declines of populations of Egyptian Vultures in India, the Red Data
status of the species will be raised to Endangered.
I recall at least four pairs nesting at Hell's Gate
when I conducted my research there ten years ago. Virtually all are now extinct
with only intermittent sighting records. It will be good to monitor this species
where it occurs.
At Kwenia, Simon Thomsett and I saw at least 12
Egyptians occurring on the cliffs there and it was also comforting to see that
the Ruppells Vulture population there (the largest in Southern Kenya) remains
stable at between 150 and 200 individuals (data going back five years). The
Ruppells and the White-backed are going to be upgraded to Near-threatened
species, while the White-headed will be raised to Vulnerable. Do keep an eye out
for these species and especially where they nest.
At Kwenia it was comforting to see flocks of
Eurasian hobbies (saw seven at a go), Lesser Kestrels (six) and Pallid
harrier.
Also I heard a White-faced scops owl (grantii??)
calling outside my tent but didn't get to see it.
Meanwhile, please do look out for wing-tagged
vultures and report them to me where and when you see them.
Happy birding to all.
Munir Virani