Reviving the Apex Scavenger: Vulture Conservation Sparks Hope in Melghat

The Bombay Natural History Society conducted a workshop in Maharashtra's Melghat Tiger Reserve to prepare for the release of rehabilitated vultures. The program, featuring 15 long-billed vultures from Haryana, aims to boost conservation efforts and educate forest staff on post-release strategies and vulture management techniques.

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has initiated crucial steps towards reviving the vulture population in Maharashtra's Melghat Tiger Reserve. Ahead of releasing these important birds into their natural habitat, BNHS held a workshop to educate and prepare forest personnel and related experts on vulture conservation and the measures needed post-release.

Fifteen long-billed vultures, transferred from Pinjore, Haryana in April 2025, have been undergoing a rigorous acclimatization process for the past eight months at a pre-release facility in Melghat. The program aims to ensure the birds can independently adapt, ensuring their successful integration into the ecosystem.

The workshop, aptly titled 'Bringing Back the Apex Scavenger,' was conducted jointly with the state's forest department. It attracted around 30 professionals, including wildlife veterinarians and animal husbandry practitioners. The sessions covered essential topics such as conservation strategies, reintroduction protocols, and the cultural significance of vultures. Participants also visited the pre-release aviary at Somthana for practical demonstrations on safely handling and monitoring vultures, utilizing modern methods like CCTV for continual observation.