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.

Released from the aviary on January 2 this year, these vultures have been observed feeding naturally outside the enclosure. Their continued presence and exploration of the Melghat Tiger Reserve area for the past month, including socialising with a wild Himalayan griffon for nearly a week, are considered remarkable positive signs. This interaction indicates growing ecological acceptance of the area, a major achievement for vulture conservation efforts.