Pench: Critically Endangered Vultures Integrate, Boosting Recovery

• Earlier released vultures guided a new batch during a soft release at Pench Tiger Reserve, marking a positive step in Maharashtra's vulture recovery program.
• The State Forest Department and BNHS initiated the second phase of captive-bred vulture release, involving 13 critically endangered vultures (8 White-rumped, 5 Long-billed).
• The newly released vultures, brought from Pinjore in April 2025, underwent acclimatisation before their soft release, with earlier released birds observed interacting and feeding with them.
• All released vultures are fitted with GPS transmitters to monitor their movement, habitat use, and survival.
• Similar vulture releases are planned for Melghat and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserves in the coming months.

Why It Matters: It shows successful endangered vulture conservation and recovery.