BNHS to Release Critically Endangered Vultures
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Subject: Species in News
Context: BNHS will release six critically endangered vultures—slender-billed and white-rumped—into the wild in Assam in January 2026 as part of India’s long-term vulture recovery programme.
About BNHS to Release Critically Endangered Vultures:
About Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)
• What it is? A critically endangered Old World vulture species native to South Asia, once widespread but now reduced to fragmented pockets.
• A critically endangered Old World vulture species native to South Asia, once widespread but now reduced to fragmented pockets.
• Habitat: Found in the Gangetic plains, Assam, northern Bangladesh, southern Nepal, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Nests on tall trees in open areas near human settlements, slaughterhouses, and riverine landscapes.
• Nests on tall trees in open areas near human settlements, slaughterhouses, and riverine landscapes.
• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered (since 2002) with fewer than ~870 mature individuals
• Key Characteristics:
• Length 80–95 cm, wingspan 196–258 cm. Darker head with a distinctively slender, narrow bill, long bare neck. Grey plumage with pale rump; juveniles have white neck down. No sexual dimorphism; solitary nesters; slow breeders (1 egg per clutch). Feeds mainly on carrion, often alongside other vulture species.
• Length 80–95 cm, wingspan 196–258 cm.
• Darker head with a distinctively slender, narrow bill, long bare neck.
• Grey plumage with pale rump; juveniles have white neck down.
• No sexual dimorphism; solitary nesters; slow breeders (1 egg per clutch).
• Feeds mainly on carrion, often alongside other vulture species.
About White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
• What it is? A medium-sized Asian vulture once commonly found across India; among the fastest-declining bird species in the world.
• A medium-sized Asian vulture once commonly found across India; among the fastest-declining bird species in the world.
• Habitat: Occurs in cities, villages, plains, and open fields, nesting mainly on large trees or cliffs; often roosts near human habitation.
• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered due to catastrophic declines caused primarily by diclofenac poisoning in livestock carcasses.
• Key Characteristics:
• Length 75–85 cm, wingspan 180–210 cm, weight 3.5–7.5 kg. Dark plumage, white neck ruff, and distinct white patch on rump. Highly visible white underwing coverts during flight. Sexes similar; breeds from October to March, laying one thick-shelled egg. Scavenges on carcasses, often feeding in mixed-species groups.
• Length 75–85 cm, wingspan 180–210 cm, weight 3.5–7.5 kg.
• Dark plumage, white neck ruff, and distinct white patch on rump.
• Highly visible white underwing coverts during flight.
• Sexes similar; breeds from October to March, laying one thick-shelled egg.
• Scavenges on carcasses, often feeding in mixed-species groups.