34 critically endangered vultures transferred from Haryana's Pinjore to Maharashtra

White-rumped vulture. Representational pic

Thirty-four long-billed and white-rumped vultures were transferred to the Maharashtra forest department from Pinjore, Haryana, on the occasion of Earth Day, which is commemorated on April 22.

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) announced that the critically endangered species are being moved from the Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore to Maharashtra for their reintroduction into the wild.

As part of India's ongoing vulture reintroduction programme, 34 captive-bred vultures, including 20 long-billed and 14 white-rumped, were successfully transferred from the Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre (JCBC) to three key sites in Melghat, Pench, and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserves in the state, reported news agency PTI.

The transfer marks a significant step in reviving critically endangered vulture populations in central India.

According to the statement, vultures, aged between two to six years, were chosen following comprehensive health checks to ensure their fitness for release into the wild, reported news agency PTI.

The birds were carefully distributed across all three locations to maintain ecological balance, support successful breeding in the wild and ensure a balanced sex ratio at each site, the statement said, reported PTI.

Earth Day: Birds moved in air-conditioned tempo travellers to maintain optimal temperature, ventilation

The vultures were transported in individual wooden boxes, one bird per box, to minimise stress and ensure safety during the journey, and they were fed two days in advance as per standard protocol.

The birds were moved in three air-conditioned tempo travellers to maintain optimal temperature and ventilation throughout the transit, the statement said, reported news agency PTI.

The team was led by Rundan Katkar, RFO, Kolsa, TATR, and supported by veterinarian Dr Mayank Barde from PTR, Manan Mahadev, senior biologist, BNHS, and two forest guards.

Chief Wildlife Wardens of Haryana and Maharashtra, Vivek Saxena and Srinivasa Rao and BNHS Director Kishor Rithe monitored and guided the entire operation.

The BNHS has set up the four Jatayu conservation breeding centres in the country, at Pinjore, Bhopal, Rajabhatkhawa (West Bengal) and Rani, Guwahati (Assam).

The Maharashtra forest department has set up three pre-release aviaries in three tiger reserves in Vidarbha to follow the protocol for soft release. The birds are expected to reach their respective aviaries in two days, reported news agency PTI.

(With PTI inputs)