Assam marked a significant milestone in its wildlife conservation efforts on December 8 with the release of 35 captive-bred vultures from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) at Rani in Kamrup district. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the development, calling the release a symbol of the state’s long-standing commitment to restoring vulnerable species.
The vultures, comprising 30 White-rumped Vultures and five Slender-billed Vultures—both categorised as critically endangered—were released into the sixth addition of Kaziranga National Park. The move follows years of intensive breeding and rehabilitation work aimed at reviving populations that had plummeted due to poisoning, habitat loss and other threats.
Sharing the news on X, Sarma expressed pride in the achievement, describing the release as reminiscent of the mythical Jatayu from the Ramayana. He referred to the birds as “guardians of our health,” highlighting their crucial role in carcass disposal and disease prevention in the wild.
Officials involved in the initiative said the successful release underscores the sustained conservation measures undertaken at VCBC, which has been central to vulture revival efforts in the region. They added that Kaziranga’s diverse and thriving ecosystem provides an ideal environment for the birds to adapt, forage and eventually breed in natural conditions.
Conservationists have welcomed the development as another step towards restoring ecological balance in Assam, noting that vultures serve as vital scavengers that help maintain healthy landscapes. The release is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to address the species’ drastic decline and support their long-term recovery in the wild.
