Seasonal habitat selection of Gyps himalayensis in hirpora wildlife sanctuary, Jammu and Kashmir

Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) performs a significant ecological role. The current study was initiated at Hirpora Wildlife sanctuary of Jammu and Kashmir to know the seasonal variation in habitat selection of Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis). Manly's selection index and modified X²: log-likelihood chi-square test (X^) via ECOLOGICAL METHODOLOGY (version 7.3) was used to analyse the data. The total of 289 individuals (comprising of 226 adults and 63 sub-adults) of Himalayan vulture were sighted. The results of the X_L² test showed that selection of different habitat types by Himalayan vulture during different seasons differed significantly. Various calculations and comparisons from Manly's selection index indicate significantly high preference for pastures during summer and autumn, and rocky areas during winter and spring. This will help to prioritize investments and assess conservation intervention regarding Himalayan vultures and other related species in the region.