Sarcogyps calvus: Red-Headed Vulture
A Red-Headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), classified as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, was sighted on 5 October 2026 in the Munsiyari region of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand. The bird was observed at approximately 2,650 metres above sea level in the Patalthod forests, between Balati Bend and Munsiyari town. The sighting highlights the ecological importance of the western Himalaya and the need to conserve threatened bird species.
Red-Headed Vulture Sighting in Munsiyari
The vulture was documented by bird watchers associated with Monal, a Munsiyari-based non-governmental organisation. The team included Surendra Panwar, Prakash Rana and Kavindra Panwar. Photographs and video recordings provided visual evidence of the observation, which was identified by the Pithoragarh Divisional Forest Officer as a Red-Headed Vulture.
Munsiyari lies in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, within the western Himalaya. Its forests and mountainous landscapes support diverse wildlife, making the region significant for biodiversity monitoring and conservation.
Red-Headed Vulture: Key Characteristics
Also known as the Asian King Vulture, the Red-Headed Vulture is an Old World vulture belonging to the family Accipitridae. Adults are recognised by their bare red head and neck, dark body plumage and powerful build. The species occurs across parts of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. As a scavenger, it feeds mainly on animal carcasses and plays an important role in ecosystem functioning by helping remove dead animals from the environment.
Why Is the Red-Headed Vulture Endangered?
The Red-Headed Vulture has experienced a major population decline. One of the principal threats to vultures in South Asia has been veterinary diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat livestock. When vultures consume carcasses containing harmful residues of diclofenac, they can develop kidney failure and visceral gout, often resulting in death. Habitat degradation and changes in food availability also threaten vulture populations.
India banned the veterinary use of diclofenac in 2006. Important conservation measures include captive-breeding programmes, population monitoring, protection of habitats and the promotion of vulture-safe veterinary medicines.
Sarcogyps calvus: Important Facts for Exams
- Common name: Red-Headed Vulture or Asian King Vulture.
- Scientific name: Sarcogyps calvus.
- Conservation status: Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List).
- Family: Accipitridae.
- Sighting location: Patalthod forests, Munsiyari, Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand.
- Elevation of sighting: Approximately 2,650 metres.
- Major historical threat: Veterinary diclofenac poisoning.
- India banned veterinary diclofenac: 2006.
- Ecological role: Scavenging and removal of animal carcasses.
