The Bombay Natural History Society has released 15 critically endangered Indian vultures into the Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra under an ongoing conservation programme. The birds were moved from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre at Pinjore to the Somthana Range in Amravati district and kept in a pre-release aviary to adapt to local conditions before being set free through a soft release process.
Translocation and Acclimatisation
The vultures were translocated on 23 April last year and housed in a pre-release aviary for acclimatisation. This step was taken to help captive-bred birds adjust to the terrain, climate and food conditions of Melghat before release into the wild.
Tracking and Soft Release Method
On 19 December 2025, all 15 vultures were fitted with GSM and satellite tags. These devices will help scientists monitor movement, survival and habitat use after release. The soft release began on 2 January, when aviary gates were opened remotely and food was placed outside the enclosure to encourage natural emergence.
Conservation Challenges in Melghat
- Food availability in the landscape was limited.
- There was no resident vulture population to guide the captive-bred birds.
- Harmful veterinary drugs remained a threat to scavenger birds.
- Feeding stations and safe cattle carcasses from gaushalas were arranged to support survival.
Significance of the Release
Melghat has historically been a stronghold of long-billed vultures. The release is part of wider efforts to restore vulture populations in central India and strengthen the species’ long-term survival in the wild.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026