Vultures and Kites fr es and Kites from Marala Wetlands

The family Accipitridae consists of approximately 254 known living species that include eagles, hawks, vultures and kites. Forty species from this family are extant in Pakistan, of which 24 are resident. Only six species from the Accipitridae family were observed at Marala Head; Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), Pariha Kite (Milvus migrans), White-Backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus), Shikra (Accipiter badius) and Black-Winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus). The highest number of any species from this family observed was of Gyps bengalensis (23) in December. Elanus caeruleus was the most sparsely populated species observed at the study site. No specific study is available on this family's distribution and density from the study area for the study time period. However, studies on avifaunal diversity from different regions of Pakistan from different time frames help formulate an estimate on the individuals from this group. The study will help in providing sound basis for the future conservation activities regarding the family Accipitridae and their management, on sounder footing.