In a historic conservation effort, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and the Bombay Natural History Society released five captive-bred slender-billed vultures in Assam. The birds are undergoing acclimatisation before release, marking a major step to revive the critically endangered species in India
Experts noted that five of the vultures have been fitted with solar-powered tracking tags. (Pic/Special arrangement)
In a landmark step for wildlife conservation, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR), in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), on Friday released five endangered Slender-billed Vultures into a newly constructed soft-release aviary at Biswanath, Assam.
This initiative marks the first-ever release of captive-bred Slender-billed Vultures in India. It also marks a major step by the Assam Forest Department towards rebuilding the dwindling population of the critically endangered species in the wild.
The five vultures were brought from the Rani breeding centre in Assam, which was established in 2007 and has successfully bred 56 Slender-billed Vultures so far.
Experts say that the centre has now reached a stage where 5 to 10 birds can be released annually. Additionally, BNHS has bred over 60 vultures at its Haryana facility, which will further support future releases.
Vultures kept in soft-release aviary in Assam
After being shifted to Biswanath, the birds have been placed in a soft-release aviary at Tewaripal village, where they will undergo acclimatisation for a few months before being released into the wild.
Experts noted that five of the vultures have been fitted with solar-powered tracking tags, while all have been ringed for identification, enabling authorities to monitor their movement and survival.
The event was witnessed by various forest officials, BNHS staff, and residents of Tewaripal Village, marking a historic moment in India’s conservation journey.
It was attended by several key conservation figures, including BNHS President Praveen Pardeshi, Assam’s Chief Wildlife Warden Vinay Gupta, BNHS Director Kishor Rithe, KTR Field Director Sonali Ghosh, Nameri Tiger Reserve Field Director Pirai, BNHS Centre Manager Sachin Ranade, and Biswanath DFO Ritupaban Borah.
Speaking at the event, Pardeshi lauded the Assam Forest Department and KTR administration for their efforts in reviving the species and emphasised the importance of involving local communities in conservation initiatives.
Gupta further highlighted that the project could also boost eco-tourism in the region, creating livelihood opportunities for local youth.
Dr Ghosh reiterated their commitment to conserving lesser-known species. She further emphasised that while wild populations of the Slender-billed Vulture breed in Kaziranga, the release of captive-bred birds is expected to significantly strengthen their numbers.
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