This study was focused on the status and conservation challenges of vultures in the lowland Nepal. The study was conducted by dividing the whole study area into two study blocks- Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts. The research was aimed to find out the status, people’s perception and conservation challenges of vulture by using 18 birding routes, questionnaires and personal communication with conservation experts, general public and park officials respectively. The study was mainly concentrated in and around the vulture restaurant. Altogether 154 individuals of 5 species of vultures were recorded in the study area. White rumped vultures were the most abundant (72) followed by Himalayan griffon vulture (68), Egyptian vulture (13), Red headed vulture (3) and slender billed vulture (3). As much as 22 nests were recorded nearby the vulture restaurant. Among these nests, 21 nests were belonged to white rumped vulture and one nest was belonged to Egyptian vulture. However, there was no record of nests of vultures from other parts of the study area. These vultures highly preferred the riverine mixed and Bombax ceiba forest. The study further revealed that there was a great role of vulture restaurant in providing the safe diclofenac free carcass for vultures in regular basis. Likewise, local people and conservation experts working in the area said that the numbers and species diversity of vultures have been increased after the establishment of the restaurant.
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