Background & Context
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) recently released 15 critically endangered Indian vultures (Long-billed vultures) into the Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. These birds were translocated from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore.
Critical Insights
- The "Soft Release" Process: The birds were kept in a pre-release aviary to acclimatize before being fitted with GSM and satellite tags for real-time tracking.
- The Melghat Landscape: Located in the Gawilgarh Hill of the Satpura Range, Melghat (meaning "meeting of ghats") is a historical stronghold for vultures.
- Conservation Challenges: The primary threat remains Diclofenac, a veterinary drug that causes kidney failure in vultures. BNHS is working with local gaushalas to ensure a "Safe Zone" with non-toxic carcasses.
- Status: Indian vultures are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
