Vulture Conservation Sees Revival Milestone in Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s long-running vulture conservation programme has reached a significant ecological milestone with the return of migratory griffon vultures to forest landscapes where the species had been locally extinct for nearly a decade. The sighting of a Himalayan Griffon Vulture in Melghat signals improving habitat conditions and the early success of recent captive-release efforts.

Return of Migratory Vultures to Melghat and Tadoba

The Himalayan Griffon Vulture, typically found in high-altitude regions and known to migrate seasonally across parts of India, was recently spotted in Melghat Tiger Reserve. Soon after, an Eurasian Griffon Vulture was also recorded in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. These sightings are significant as vultures had disappeared from both Melghat and Tadoba landscapes nearly ten years ago, marking a major ecological recovery.

Causes of Decline and Conservation Response

By 2004, vulture populations in Maharashtra had declined sharply, primarily due to the widespread veterinary use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac, aceclofenac, ketoprofen and nimesulide. These drugs proved fatal to vultures feeding on treated livestock carcasses. In response, the Maharashtra Forest Department partnered with Bombay Natural History Society to revive vulture populations through captive breeding, habitat protection and regulated releases.

Captive Release and Scientific Monitoring

As part of the ongoing programme, 15 critically endangered long-billed vultures were shifted from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore to the Somthana range of Melghat Tiger Reserve on April 23, 2025. After acclimatisation in an aviary, the birds were fitted with GSM and satellite transmitters in December 2025 to track movement, behaviour and survival. They were released into the wild on January 2, 2026, with supplemental feeding gradually reduced to encourage natural foraging.

Important Facts for Exams

• Vulture population crash in India was linked to veterinary use of diclofenac.
• BNHS runs Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres across India.
• Soft release involves gradual acclimatisation before full release into the wild.
• Melghat and Tadoba are key tiger reserves supporting vulture restoration.

Positive Ecological Signals and Future Outlook

Conservationists note that the interaction between captive-released vultures and wild Himalayan griffons indicates growing ecological acceptance of the Melghat landscape. BNHS currently manages around 700 vultures across breeding centres and release sites. During 2025–26 alone, 34 vultures have been soft-released across Melghat, Pench and Tadoba Tiger Reserves, strengthening hopes for the long-term revival of vulture populations in central India.