2097 resident vultures found in UP census

"During the census on May 15, atleast 2097 vultures were found in the state. These are resident vultures and not migratory," Chief Conservator of Forest, B K Patnaik said adding that vultures flying in the sky were not included.

When asked about last year`s count of birds Patnaik said that this was for the first time census was done scientifically and it was not comparable to the one done earlier.

"Unlike this time, census was only cursory earlier in which flying vultures were counted. This time only vultures sitting on trees and other places were counted," Patnaik said.

Maximum number of vultures were found in Sohalwa forest area and Mahavir Swami forest area, he said.

In UP oriental white-backed, long build and Egyptian vultures are found, he added.