Moyar Valley

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Context (IE): Moyar Valley stands out as an exceptional breeding ground for Gyps vultures in southern India.
Unlike other states in the region, Tamil Nadu hosts a thriving population of these majestic birds.

The Moyar Valley stretches approximately 85 km from Gudalur through the core area of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Tamil Nadu.
It weaves through a picturesque landscape of hills and deep gorges, creating a rich and diverse habitat.
This valley serves as a wildlife haven, sheltering several vital species: Tigers, Elephants, gaurs, ungulates like spotted deer, blackbuck, sambar and the critically endangered Gyps vulture.
It is the only region in peninsular India where the largest nesting colony of Gyps vultures can be found in the wild.
Carcasses of wildlife from Moyar village to Bhavanisagar serve as a vital food source for vultures.
These carcasses are mostly free from harmful substances like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and other poisonous chemicals.

Gyps Vultures

Members of the genus Gyps are often referred to as griffon vultures.
Physical Characteristics:
- Slim head and a long, slender neck covered with downy feathers.
- Possess a distinctive ruff around the neck formed by long buoyant feathers.
- Crown of their large beaks is slightly compressed, with big dark nostrils set transversely to the beak.
- Typically have 6 or 7 wing feathers, with the first being the shortest and the fourth being the longest.
The genus Gyps comprises eight extant species of Old World vultures.
Conservation status: IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

Gyps vultures are keystone species, contributing to ecosystem health by scavenging carcasses.
Their presence helps maintain a balance in the food chain and prevents the spread of diseases.

Keystone Species is a species whose addition to or loss from an ecosystem leads to significant changes in the occurrence of at least one other species.