
About Himalayan Griffon:
- It is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae. It is one of the two largest Old World vultures and true raptors.
- Distribution: This species is found along the Himalayas and the adjoining Tibetan Plateau.
- Threat: Himalayan vultures are also susceptible to toxicity induced by diclofenac, a drug whose residues are in domestic animal carcasses.
- But their population have however not shown signs of rapid decline as witnessed in populations of other Gyps vultures across Asia.
- Conservation status
- IUCN: Near Threatened
Other Vulture species found in India
- India is home to 9 species of Vulture namely the Oriental white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous and Eurasian Griffon.
Q1) What is a plateau?
A plateau is a flat, elevated landform that rises sharply above the surrounding area on at least one side.
Source: Return of vultures: Once nearly extinct species spotted in Dudhwa & Banbasa, seen nesting in Terai