Migratory Vultures Make a Comeback in Maharashtra’s Forests

Description

Add as a preferred source on Google

Maharashtra’s long-standing vulture conservation initiative has marked a major ecological achievement with the return of migratory griffon vultures to forest landscapes where they had been locally extinct for nearly a decade. The recent sighting of a Himalayan Griffon Vulture in Melghat highlights improving habitat conditions and early successes of captive-release efforts.

Migratory Vultures Reappear in Melghat and Tadoba

A Himalayan Griffon Vulture, typically found in high-altitude areas and known for seasonal migration across India, was recently spotted in Melghat Tiger Reserve. Shortly thereafter, an Eurasian Griffon Vulture was also observed in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. These sightings are particularly significant, as vultures had disappeared from both Melghat and Tadoba nearly ten years ago, marking a major step in ecological restoration.

Decline Causes and Conservation Measures

By 2004, Maharashtra’s vulture populations had sharply declined due to widespread veterinary use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac, aceclofenac, ketoprofen, and nimesulide. These drugs proved lethal to vultures feeding on treated livestock carcasses. In response, the Maharashtra Forest Department partnered with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to revive vulture populations through captive breeding, habitat protection, and regulated releases.

Captive Releases and Monitoring Efforts

As part of the programme, 15 critically endangered long-billed vultures were transferred from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore to the Somthana range of Melghat Tiger Reserve on April 23, 2025. After acclimatising in an aviary, the birds were equipped with GSM and satellite transmitters in December 2025 to monitor their movements, behaviour, and survival. They were released into the wild on January 2, 2026, with supplemental feeding gradually reduced to encourage natural foraging.

Positive Ecological Indicators and Future Prospects

Conservationists highlight that interactions between captive-released vultures and wild Himalayan Griffons indicate the Melghat landscape is becoming increasingly suitable for vulture populations. BNHS currently manages around 700 vultures across breeding centres and release sites. During 2025–26 alone, 34 vultures were soft-released across Melghat, Pench, and Tadoba Tiger Reserves, bolstering hopes for the long-term recovery of vulture populations in central India.

Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.

For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board

For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section

For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section

For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Competitive Exams - Visit Notopedia's College Entrance Exams Section