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Endangered Vulture Dies Days After Release
29 Jun
Summary
- Radio-tagged vulture died from electrocution on June 28, 2026.
- The bird was part of a captive breeding reintroduction program.
- Power lines pose a significant threat to vulture populations.
A captive-bred, radio-tagged white-rumped vulture, released in April 2026 into the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), died on June 28, 2026. The vulture was electrocuted by a power line while exploring the Ebbanad region. This incident signifies the failure of the first attempt to reintroduce this species into the area.
The bird had a complex history, initially released in Tadoba - Andheri Tiger Reserve in December 2025. It later traveled to Karnataka, where it required treatment for illness before being moved to MTR, home to a significant population of white-rumped vultures in south India.
Foresters had hoped the bird would integrate with local vulture populations. However, it struggled to acclimatize and repeatedly ventured out of the reserve, leading to the fatal encounter with power infrastructure. Conservationists emphasize that power lines are a recurring threat, causing multiple vulture deaths annually.
Following this event, conservationists and the Forest Department plan to investigate the reasons for the bird's failure to adapt. They will also explore retrofitting power lines with bird diverters and reinforcing them to prevent future electrocutions, aiming to protect endangered avian species in the region.
