Why in news?
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Maharashtra Forest Department have released 15 long‑billed vultures into the wild at Melghat Tiger Reserve after fitting them with tracking devices. The project aims to monitor their movements and survival in the wild as part of India’s vulture conservation programme.
Background
The long‑billed vulture (Gyps indicus), also called the Indian vulture, is a medium‑sized Old World vulture native to South Asia. Adults measure about 80–103 cm long, weigh 5.5–6.3 kg and have a wingspan of around 2 metres. They have buff‑coloured ruffs around the neck, dark brown plumage, bare heads and long, hooked beaks. These scavengers feed primarily on the carcasses of large mammals and play a vital ecological role by cleaning up carrion and preventing the spread of disease. Historically abundant across India and Pakistan, their populations crashed in the 1990s due to poisoning from the veterinary drug diclofenac. The species is now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Conservation efforts and tagging programme
- Captive breeding: The 15 vultures released at Melghat were hatched at the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore, Haryana. They were trained for several months to fly and feed in semi‑wild conditions.
- Tracking devices: Eleven birds were fitted with GSM transmitters and four with satellite tags. Harnesses and blue leg rings marked with “M” identify their origin in Maharashtra. The devices record location, altitude and flight patterns to help researchers understand ranging behaviour and survival.
- Melghat Tiger Reserve: Located in Amravati district of Maharashtra, Melghat’s dry deciduous forests and cliffs provide suitable habitat for vultures. The reserve is drained by tributaries of the Tapti River and is home to communities such as the Korkus, Gawlis and Gonds.
- Threat mitigation: India banned the veterinary use of diclofenac in 2006, and conservationists have promoted safe alternatives. “Vulture restaurants” offering carrion free of toxic drugs and community outreach programmes are helping populations recover slowly.
Significance
Vultures are keystone scavengers. Their collapse led to an increase in rotting carcasses and a rise in feral dog populations, which in turn caused more rabies cases in humans. Monitoring the movements of released birds will show whether captive‑bred vultures can adapt to wild conditions and identify safe foraging areas. The project is part of a 10‑year national action plan that also includes enforcing the ban on harmful drugs, strengthening protected areas and raising awareness.
Conclusion
The tagging of long‑billed vultures at Melghat represents hope for a species pushed to the brink. Continued vigilance against veterinary drug misuse, coupled with scientific monitoring and community participation, will be essential to ensure that these majestic scavengers soar once again over India’s skies.
Source: DH
