When will BNHS release vultures in Assam?

BNHS plans to release six vultures in Assam in January 2026.

Why are vultures important for the ecosystem in Assam?

Vultures act as nature's clean-up crew by consuming carcasses, thus controlling pollution and preventing disease spread.

What are the main threats to vultures in India?

Major threats include the use of harmful NSAIDs like diclofenac in livestock and incidents of poison baiting.

Home / Environment / Vultures Take Flight: Assam Prepares for Wild Reintroduction

Vultures Take Flight: Assam Prepares for Wild Reintroduction

5 Dec

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Summary

Six vultures to be released in Assam in January 2026.
Reintroduction efforts target Kamrup and Biswanath districts.
Community education focuses on vulture-safe medicines.

Vultures Take Flight: Assam Prepares for Wild Reintroduction

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is preparing to release six vultures into the wild in Assam in January 2026, marking a crucial step in avian conservation. These three-year-old birds, bred at BNHS centers, will be introduced into Kamrup and Biswanath districts, areas recognized for their suitability due to existing vulture populations and proximity to Kaziranga National Park.

Scientists are finalizing plans for the release, which involves a three-month adaptation period for the vultures to acclimatize to their natural surroundings. The initiative, supported by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Assam Forest Department, has been ongoing for over 15 years, focusing on community engagement to promote the use of vulture-safe medicines and combat issues like poison baiting.

Conservation efforts in Assam, a stronghold for slender-billed vultures, are vital for rebuilding the ecosystem's natural food chain. By consuming carcasses, vultures help control pollution and disease spread. The program aims to safeguard these endangered species and ensure the success of reintroduction efforts, benefiting both the birds and local communities.