Guwahati, Feb 15: In a significant conservation effort, two rare species of vultures were recently released into the Rani Forest, a protected area located near Guwahati, Assam. Recognized as crucial elements of the ecosystem, the Himalayan Griffon vultures, known for their role as nature’s clean-up crew, were rehabilitated in the Rani Reserved Forest under the supervision of wildlife authorities.
The initiative, on Wednesday spearheaded by Shachin P. Ranade, the director of the nearby Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Center, along with the forestry officials and senior journalists, witnessed the release of these vultures into their natural habitat.
Over the past eight months, several vultures across different regions of Kamrup district have faced threats due to various reasons such as accidents or illnesses resulting from consuming contaminated prey. To address this, the authorities provided appropriate medical treatment and care at the rehabilitation center, ensuring their well-being for at least eight months before their release back into the wild within the forest reserve.
It is noteworthy that the Rani-based Vulture Conservation and Breeding Center, established in 2007, has been instrumental in the conservation and propagation of these species for the past 17 years. Presently, the center has successfully nurtured 16 individuals of the critically endangered Long-billed and Slender-billed vulture species this year. Additionally, 75 vultures were born in the center since January last year.
Currently, the center is home to 141 vultures, consisting mainly of Long-billed and Slender-billed vultures. The facility is equipped with researchers and staff dedicated to conducting research and providing care for the vultures. Furthermore, the center attracts researchers from both domestic and international arenas for studying and conserving vulture populations.
Efforts to monitor and manage vulture populations, including research and conservation activities, remain ongoing at the center. Moreover, researchers from various parts of the world frequently visit the facility to conduct studies on vulture behavior and habitat requirements, contributing to global conservation efforts.
The release of these vultures into the Rani Forest marks another step forward in the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve endangered species in Assam’s ecosystem. As these majestic birds return to their natural habitat, it symbolizes hope for the continuation of their species and the restoration of ecological balance in the region.
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