Mumbai, Jun 24: A five year old captive bred Indian vulture has completed a remarkable 3,334-kilometre journey across three states, offering fresh evidence that conservation bred birds can successfully survive and thrive in the wild.
The female long billed vulture, identified as X67, was released from Maharashtra’s Melghat Tiger Reserve in January as part of an ambitious vulture recovery initiative. After spending several months near the release site acclimatising to natural conditions, the bird began an extensive movement across central India, eventually reaching the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.
Wildlife experts described the achievement as a major success for ongoing efforts to revive India’s critically endangered vulture populations. The bird’s ability to locate food independently and survive without supplementary support has strengthened confidence in captive breeding and release programmes.
According to conservationists, X67 was among 15 vultures released into the wild on January 2 from the Somthana range in the Akot Wildlife Division of Melghat. Each bird was fitted with a solar powered tracking device to enable scientists to monitor movements, behaviour and survival after release.
For nearly four months, the vulture remained within the vicinity of the release area, scavenging naturally and gradually adapting to its surroundings. On May 28, it began a long-distance dispersal that took it through several important wildlife landscapes.
Tracking data showed that the bird travelled across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, making temporary stops at multiple protected areas. During the 27 day journey, it was recorded in the Satpura Tiger Reserve, near Bhopal, and at Kuno National Park, which is known for India’s cheetah reintroduction programme.
The vulture finally arrived at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve on June 23, completing one of the longest documented post release movements by a captive bred bird of its species.
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) Director Kishor Rithe said the journey demonstrates that conservation bred vultures can successfully integrate into natural ecosystems and undertake large-scale movements similar to their wild counterparts.
Researchers believe the bird’s route provides valuable insight into habitat preferences. The movement pattern suggests that protected forests and tiger reserves continue to offer suitable feeding opportunities because of the healthy presence of large carnivores and naturally available carrion.
Conservationists noted that maintaining interconnected wildlife habitats remains essential for the long-term recovery of scavenger species. The successful dispersal also highlights the importance of protected area networks in supporting ecological restoration efforts.
All vultures released under the programme carry blue identification rings. The colour indicates that the birds were ringed in India, while markings help scientists identify their release location and track individual movements.
The solar powered transmitters attached to the birds are providing conservation teams with critical information on migration routes, habitat use, safety and survival rates. Experts say such data will play a key role in shaping future strategies aimed at restoring healthy vulture populations across the country.
The successful journey of X67 is being viewed as a significant milestone for wildlife conservation and a promising sign for the future of India’s vulture recovery programme.