Asian white-backed vulture  (Gyps bengalensis)

Range

Previously abundant throughout southern Asia, the white-backed vulture had all but disappeared from South East Asia by the mid-20th century (2). In contrast, this vulture remained fairly common on the Indian subcontinent until the late 1990s when populations underwent sudden and catastrophic declines throughout the region, prompting the species to be upgraded to Critically Endangered (5).

View a distribution map for this species at UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

Habitat

These vultures are often found close to human habitation, in cities, towns and villages near to cultivation (5). Away from built up areas, vultures are associated with open areas or cultivated fields where there are scattered trees (5).

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