Differential kleptoparasitic interactions of Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis with conspecifics and heterospecifics during various stages of breeding

Abstract

Reports of kleptoparasitic events involving Gyps himalayensis (Himalayan Vulture) are limited. In this article we document intraspecific and interspecific kleptoparasitic interactions at nesting sites, and analyse factors influencing this behaviour. The study was carried out at Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary of Kashmir Himalaya, at an elevation of about 2,546 m. We observed 61 instances of food theft involving conspecifics (n = 12) and heterospecifics (n = 49). The highest number of incidents were observed during the chick rearing period (n=40), followed by incubation (n = 10) and pre-laying periods (n = 5). We observed the highest number of attacks at nesting sites (n = 30) and the lowest in flight (n = 9).