The vulture was spotted in a weak condition while moving from the Pench Tiger Reserve near Nagpur towards Anjaneri in Nashik district. Forest officials said that the bird was severely fatigued and undernourished at the time of rescue
The bird was released into its natural habitat. Pic/Nashik Forest Department and RESQ CT
A Long-billed Vulture, identified as J132, has been successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild after being found exhausted and underweight while travelling across Maharashtra, officials said.
The vulture was spotted in a weak condition while moving from the Pench Tiger Reserve near Nagpur towards Anjaneri in Nashik district. Forest officials said that the bird was severely fatigued and undernourished at the time of rescue.
On December 29, 2025, the bird was jointly rescued by the East Nashik Forest Division and the NGO AREAs.
Treatment at wildlife centre
Following the rescue, the vulture was shifted to the Wildlife Treatment Centre (TTC) at Mhasrul in Nashik. It remained under continuous medical care and observation for over three weeks.
Veterinary experts treated the bird and closely monitored its health until it regained sufficient strength and fitness for release.
Successful release in conservation reserve
After a full recovery, the vulture was released back into its natural habitat on January 20, 2026. The release took place in the Anjaneri Vulture Conservation Reserve in Nashik district, an area known for supporting vulture populations.
Joint conservation efforts
The rehabilitation and release operation was carried out jointly by officers and staff of the Nashik Forest Range, the ResQ Nashik Division team, and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
BNHS officials said the vulture’s movements and habitat use will continue to be monitored with the help of a tracking chip fitted on the bird.
Forest officials described the successful rehabilitation as an important step in vulture conservation, especially as Long-billed Vultures are considered a threatened species in India.
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