Long-billed vulture rescued from Kalyan,sent to national park

The bird weighs around six kg and measures 32-40 inches in length. It is characterised by a bald head, broad wings and short tail feathers. Experts say the species,found in India earlier,has almost disappeared now.

Dr Asad Rahmani,director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS),an NGO involved in vulture conservation programmes across India,said,“Usually,the long-billed vultures are known to breed on cliffs. Considering this was an immature bird,it is possible that there is a nesting site nearby. There is a possibility that it had strayed into the area from the nearby Mahuli Hills.” Nilesh Bhanage,founder of Paws-Thane,who rescued the bird from Katemanivalli area in Kalyan,said,“This was the first time that we have rescued a vulture. I am happy we managed to save a member of this almost extinct species. We hope the bird manages to fly and return to the wild.”