Critically Endangered Indian Vulture Released in Ramanagara After Treatment

A six-month-old critically endangered Indian vulture was released back into the wild at the Sri Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary in Ramanagara on August 6, following two months of veterinary care and rehabilitation. The bird was released by the People for Animals (PfA) Wildlife Hospital, Bengaluru, in coordination with the Karnataka Forest Department.

The young vulture was initially rescued on June 10 by PfA’s Quick Reaction Rescue Team after the Forest Department notified them that the bird was unable to move. Following its rescue, the bird was brought to the PfA Wildlife Hospital for a full clinical evaluation.

At the hospital, veterinarians conducted a detailed clinical examination and digital radiography, which revealed a hairline fracture involving the femoral head of its left leg. Due to the vulture's young age, veterinary experts opted for fracture management combined with a supervised rehabilitation programme to prevent limb shortening and impaired mobility that could occur from improper healing.

Over the subsequent two months, the vulture underwent veterinary treatment and physical rehabilitation while its mobility, strength, and flight ability were assessed regularly. Prior to its return to the wild, the bird successfully cleared a flight assessment and was judged clinically and behaviourally fit for release.

Following the release on August 6, PfA field and veterinary teams monitored the bird for three days. During the monitoring period, the vulture was observed flying strongly, moving normally, and feeding successfully in its natural environment.

Conservation experts highlighted that the release is especially significant given that the Sri Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary is an important remaining habitat for the species, with only one pair of Indian vultures currently known to remain there.

"The successful release of this young vulture is therefore much more than the rescue of a single bird," said Colonel Dr Navaz Shariff, Chief Wildlife Veterinarian at PfA Wildlife Hospital, Bengaluru. "It represents an important contribution to the conservation of a critically endangered species and reinforces the need to protect the remaining habitat and breeding populations of vultures in Karnataka." He emphasized that the survival of every individual bird becomes critical when a species population has been severely reduced.