Guwahati, March 21: In a significant milestone for wildlife conservation, Assam has carried out its first-ever release of captive-bred White-rumped Vulture into the wild at Nalapara under the Rani range.
The release was led by MK Yadav, Special Secretary, Forests and Environment, in the presence of conservation experts including Dr Vinay Gupta, Kishor Rithe, Dr Sachin Ranade, and Dr Chris Bowden.
Five vultures were released from a specially designed aviary using a pulley system to minimise human disturbance, while cameras were installed to monitor their movements after release.
The initiative marks the first reintroduction effort from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre, established in 2007. The centre currently houses 194 vultures, including 138 white-rumped and 56 slender-billed vultures, and has reached a stage where it can release 20 to 25 birds annually.
Officials said the released birds include both captive-bred individuals and those that had been rescued and rehabilitated. All underwent veterinary assessments and were declared fit for release, with each bird fitted with solar-powered tracking devices to monitor survival and movement.
The next six months are expected to be critical in assessing how well the birds adapt to the wild. They are likely to explore surrounding regions, including neighbouring states and countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Experts expressed optimism that the vultures will integrate with wild populations, while supplementary feeding near the aviary will continue to support their transition.
The programme has received support from organisations including the Bombay Natural History Society and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, along with other international partners.
