Vulture Revival: New Hope Soars at Pench Tiger Reserve

The Forest Department and BNHS released 13 critically endangered vultures into the wild at Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra. Ex-vultures interacted with new ones, indicating successful integration. Vultures from an earlier release were also seen, and more releases are planned in other reserves.

In a significant boost for conservation efforts, 13 critically endangered vultures have been released into the wild at Maharashtra's Pench Tiger Reserve. The launch, led by the State Forest Department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), is a key part of the vulture recovery programme aimed at reviving the population of these vital scavengers.

The official statement highlighted that the released batch included eight White-rumped Vultures and five Long-billed Vultures, all of which underwent a carefully structured acclimatisation process. Trained at Pinjore in Haryana, the birds were prepared to adapt to their natural environment and feed autonomously before their release.

Observations at the reserve showed older vultures mingling and feeding with the new arrivals, an encouraging sign of successful integration into the local ecosystem. The initiative will expand with upcoming releases in Melghat and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserves, as the efforts to bolster vulture numbers continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)