Critically Endangered White-Tailed Vulture Rescued from Bagbahara Forest and Restored to Health

Raipur, November , 2024: In a significant conservation effort, a team of wildlife officials and veterinarians at the Nandanvan Jungle Safari near Raipur has successfully rescued and nursed a critically endangered white-tailed vulture back to health. The vulture, which had flown approximately 500 kilometers, was found weak and sick in the Bagbahara forest of the Mahasamund region in Chhattisgarh. After a month of dedicated care, the bird has now traveled over 1,100 kilometers to reach Surat in Gujarat.

The rescue of this rare species was widely praised by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai and Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, who commended the team for their commitment and skill. The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation for the conservation efforts, stating that the survival of such endangered species is vital and that the team’s work deserves high praise.

The white-tailed vulture, also known as the White-rumped Vulture, is a critically endangered species with fewer than 13,000 individuals left in the country. These vultures build nests on tall trees and reproduce at a slow rate, laying only one egg per year. They inhabit regions rich in biodiversity, avoiding areas with high pollution or industrial activity. Conservation initiatives are ongoing to protect and rehabilitate this species.

A joint effort by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve introduced a special geo-tracking program for white-tailed vultures, releasing 10 vultures equipped with tracking devices into their natural habitats. One of these vultures made a remarkable journey from Maharashtra to Chhattisgarh’s Indravati Tiger Reserve, eventually reaching the Bagbahara forest in Mahasamund. The tracking team noticed that the vulture had remained in a single spot for an extended period, prompting them to alert Nandanvan Jungle Safari officials.

In response, the Nandanvan rescue team, led by skilled wildlife doctors and forest officers, transported the vulture to their facility on August 26. Here, the vulture received appropriate medical treatment and nutrition, leading to a steady recovery. By the end of September, it was healthy enough to be released back into the wild.

According to Nandanvan Jungle Safari Director Dhammashil Ganveer, on September 26, 2024, the fully recovered vulture was released into its natural habitat with the guidance of wildlife veterinarians. The BNHS continues to monitor the vulture’s movements via geo-tracking, and the bird has since made an impressive journey to Surat, Gujarat, showcasing the effectiveness of these conservation efforts.

This successful rescue and rehabilitation operation highlights Chhattisgarh’s commitment to wildlife conservation, demonstrating the vital role of dedicated interventions in preserving endangered species for future generations.

Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)

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