These images were made on 12th July 2009 @ Ramadevara Betta, one of Ramanagara's famous rocky outcrops.
Ramanagara known as Closepet, after Sir Barry Close (1756–1813), in pre-Independence times and retained in geology is a town and a city municipal council in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is approximately 60 km southwest of Bangalore. It has an average elevation of 2450 feet.
These hills have been threatened by quarrying and also plans to carve these hills into statues. The region is covered in scrub forest and is home to threatened bird species such as the Yellow-throated Bulbul and Long-billed vultures also known as Indian Vultures.The hill is today one of the few locations in south India where Long-billed Vultures nest.
The Indian Vulture, Gyps indicus, is an Old World Vulture. It is closely related to the European Griffon Vulture.
It breeds on crags or in trees in mountains inPakistan & India, laying one egg. Like other Vulturesit is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over savannah and around human habitation. They often move in flocks.
The Long-billed Vulture is a typical vulture, with a bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. Usually weighing between 5.5 and 6.3 kg and measuring 80–100 cm long and 205 to 229 cm (81–91 in) across the wings.
Diclofenac poisoning
The Indian Vulture have suffered a 99%–97% population decrease in Pakistan & India and the cause of this has been identified as poisoning caused by the veterinary drug diclofenac. Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug(NSAID) and when given to working animals it can reduce joint pain and so keep them working for longer. The drug is believed to be swallowed by vultures with the flesh of dead cattle which were given diclofenac in the last days of life. Diclofenac causes kidney failure in several species of Vultures.
Captive breeding programmes
Captive-breeding programmes for several species of Indian vulture have been started. The vultures are long lived and slow in breeding, so the programmes are expected to take decades. Vultures reach breeding age at about 5 years old. It is hoped that captive-bred birds will be released to the wild when the environment is clear of diclofenac.
We also found this guy - Egyptian vulture. There were 4 of them soaring.
Ramanagara is frequented by birdwatchers, photographers, rock climbers & other nature enthusiasts.
How to get to Ramanagara ?
Southwest of Bangalore.
Take the Bangalore-Mysore road.
50kms from Bangalore you will reach Ramanagara.
On the right you will have to ask directions for Ramadevara betta.
Take the road to Ramadevara betta & drive for about 6 kms & halt.
Get off your sedan & look for kaal daaris !
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