Long-billed Vulture

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About Long-billed Vulture:

It is an old World vulture native to the Asian region.
They are also known as Indian long-billed vultures due to their comparatively longer beak.
It is a medium-sized and bulky scavenger feeding mostly on the carcasses of dead animals.
Females of this species are smaller than males.
Habitat: They are usually found in savannas and other open habitats around villages, cities, and near cultivated areas.
Distribution: These are native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
Conservation status
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Threats: The Indian vulture has suffered a 97-99% population decrease due to poisoning caused by the veterinary drug diclofenac. This drug is toxic for vultures; it was given to working animals as it reduced joint pain and so kept them working for longer.

Key facts about Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

It is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu state at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
It has a common boundary with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) on the West, and Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) on the North.
Vegetation: A variety of habitats ranging from tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, moist teak forest, dry teak forest, secondary grasslands and swamps are found here.
Flora: The Reserve has tall grasses, commonly referred to as “Elephant Grass”, Bamboo of the giant variety, valuable timber species like Teak, Rosewood, etc.
Fauna: Elephants, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Porcupine etc.