Ornithologists have witnessed a gradual increase in the number of White-backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) which is on the verge of extinction. 

The latest census conducted across the Tarai lowland covering the East-West Highway covering 560-kilometer stretch has put the number of White-backed Vulture at 74. Last year, their number was recorded at 71, and the year previous, at 68 .

The census recorded all vultures sighted within 1,000m on either side of the East-West Highway. The team also surveyed the mountain routes of Lamahi-Tulsipur-Salyan-Rukum and Bhalubang-Pyuthan-Rolpa-Arghakhanchi-Gulmi-Palpa-Syanja-Kaski-Tanahu-Mugling, said Krishna Prasad Bhusal, vulture conservation programme officer and lead researcher.  

Five of the nine species of vultures found in Nepal are in danger of disappearing from the planet.

Since 2002, Bird Conservation Nepal has been conducting vulture survey to identify and record the number of the critically endangered scavengers that had witnessed a significant decline in their population due to the veterinary use of Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The first survey conducted in 2002 had recorded the total population of vultures at 205. By 2009, the number had dropped to 55.