Why was the sighting of a Himalayan griffon significant in Melghat?

The sighting was significant as it indicated improving ecological conditions, suggesting the return of vultures to the Melghat and Tadoba landscapes.

What caused the drastic decline in vulture populations in Maharashtra?

Vulture populations in Maharashtra declined drastically by 2004 due to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac.

What conservation efforts are being made for vultures in Maharashtra?

The Maharashtra Forest Department and BNHS are reviving vulture populations, including soft-releasing 15 long-billed vultures in Melghat Tiger Reserve after fitting them with transmitters.

Home / Environment / Vultures Return: Rewilding Efforts Revive Maharashtra Skies

Vultures Return: Rewilding Efforts Revive Maharashtra Skies

9 Feb

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Summary

Migratory Himalayan griffon spotted, indicating improving ecological conditions.
Vulture populations had plummeted by 2004 due to harmful NSAIDs.
Fifteen long-billed vultures were soft-released in Melghat Tiger Reserve.

Vultures Return: Rewilding Efforts Revive Maharashtra Skies

A significant sighting of a migratory Himalayan griffon in Melghat suggests improving ecological conditions, offering hope for vulture recovery in Maharashtra. This follows the recent spotting of an Eurasian griffon vulture in Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve. Vulture populations in Maharashtra had drastically declined by 2004, primarily due to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac, which proved fatal.

The Maharashtra Forest Department, in collaboration with BNHS, has been actively reviving these nearly extinct species. Fifteen critically endangered long-billed vultures were transferred from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore to the Somthana range in Melghat Tiger Reserve on April 23. After acclimatization in an aviary, these birds were fitted with GSM and satellite transmitters on December 19 last year to monitor their movements and survival.