From Tadoba to Tamilnadu: Tracking GPS tagged Vulture’s 4,000 km daunting journey
During its migration, the bird exhibited signs of ill health and was rescued and treated twice, once in Chhattisgarh and later in Gujarat. After recovery, it resumed its journey, travelling through diverse terrains and routes.
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According to Rithe, this remarkable journey sheds light on the need for active monitoring and protection of vultures, whose populations have drastically declined over the years i n the country.
A GPS-tagged white-rumped vulture named N-11 completed an extensive 4,000 km journey from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Tamil Nadu, highlighting the progress of India’s vulture conservation efforts under the Jatayu Conservation Project. This bird, tagged in August 2024, flew through Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, making it easy to understand the movement and behaviour of vultures.
During its migration, the bird exhibited signs of ill health and was rescued and treated twice, once in Chhattisgarh and later in Gujarat. After recovery, it resumed its journey, travelling through diverse terrains and routes.
“The bird who didn’t have any idea of the wild environment kept flying until it fell sick, but was rescued at two locations, treated and left again for its flight,” said Kishor Rithe, Director or Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
According to Rithe, this remarkable journey sheds light on the need for active monitoring and protection of vultures, whose populations have drastically declined over the years i n the country.
“The decline in vulture populations, primarily due to the use of the veterinary drugs like Diclofenac, was catastrophic. While the drug was banned in 2006, its effects still linger. This tracking effort not only helps us understand vulture behavior but also aids in identifying challenges they face in the wild. This data will be crucial in ensuring their survival,” added Rithe.
The Jatayu Conservation Project, launched by the Maharashtra Forest Department and the BNHS, aims to rebuild these populations. Under the initiative, 10 vultures were GPS-tagged and released from pre-release aviaries in Tadoba and Pench Tiger Reserves. The tracking of these birds provides critical data for conservation strategies.
There is a 99% decline in two species of vultures, Long-billed and White-rumped. The project’s long-term goal is to ensure these birds thrive once again in their natural habitats, contributing to the ecosystem’s health.
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