15 Himalayan vultures released back into the wild to boost population

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 29, 2024

Altogether 15 Himalayan vultures were released into the wilderness by the conservationists of Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) in a joint effort with Assam forest department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) from Belguri at Rani Reserve Forest in lower Assam’s Kamrup district on Monday.

“These vultures, rescued during March and April 2024, underwent meticulous care and rehabilitation at the VCBC in Belguri, thus facilitating their recuperation and restoration to optimal health. These are migratory vultures and are expected to initiate their homeward journey in a few days,” said Sachin Ranade, assistant director, BNHS, VCBC, Belguri, Rani.

“Prior to their release, the vital signs of each vulture were meticulously assessed by the veterinary professionals of the VCBC. The transfer of these rehabilitated vultures from their holding aviaries to the release site was executed with precision, utilizing transportation boxes and overseen by a team comprising veterinarians, biologists, and representatives from the forest department,” Ranade said.

The release ceremony was graced by the presence of notable officials Dimpi Bora, DFO, Kamrup West Division and the Range Forest Officers (RFOs) Dipan Deka, Kulsi and Shamim Akhatar, Loharghat, highlighting the collaborative spirit that underpins endeavours aimed at safeguarding these invaluable avian species. Far from being merely symbolic, this event served as a tangible manifestation of the shared dedication to vulture preservation.

“The discourse delved into future initiatives and methodologies for advancing vulture conservation efforts within the region, thereby laying the groundwork for sustained progress in this critical endeavour,” Ranade also said.

VCBC at Belguri village is the only captive breeding centre set up in the Northeast by the BNHS in association with the Assam forest department which has been trying to prevent the two native populations of critically endangered species of vultures- Oriental white-backed vulture and Slender-billed vulture- in Assam from becoming extinct. The project has been funded by the Royal Society for Protection of Birds, UK.

99% of the three vultures, which are native to Assam, have already been lost, and disappeared from the wild and the remaining population is also facing extinction.