KUMARAM BHEEM ASIFABAD: Two Himalayan Griffon vultures were spotted for the first time at Palarapugutta on the banks of the Peddavagu on December 24. The sighting was done in the Nandigam ‘beat’ in Penchikalpet mandal in Kumaram Bheem Asifabad district.
The state government has established a conversation centre for long-billed vultures at the place where the Himalayan Griffons were found. Himalayan Griffons are bigger when compared to long-billed vultures. Himlayan Griffons are also considered to be endangered like the long-billed vultures. The Himalayan Griffons sighted at Palarapugutta may be a year old, officials said.
Forest range officer Srinivas Reddy said the forest department staff had the Himalayan Griffons, which were probably migrating, while they were conducting a census of the long-bill vultures. The census team included field biologist Ravi Kanth and bird tracker Tirupati.
Forests officials said Himalayan Griffons are generally seen in North India and their migration to the south is rare. Scientists had spotted Himalayan Griffons in Kerala, Karnataka and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh about a decade ago. An official said that Himalayan Griffon migrate in search of habitat and feed during the winter.
