Critically Endangered Vulture Released at Ramanagara Sanctuary

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 medical treatment and rehabilitation by the People for Animals (PfA) Wildlife Hospital in coordination with the Forest Department.

The bird, an Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus) classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, was initially rescued on June 10 by PfA’s Quick Reaction Rescue Team. The team responded after receiving a call from the Forest Department stating that the vulture was unable to move.

Upon arrival at the PfA Wildlife Hospital, veterinary staff conducted a clinical examination and digital radiography, which revealed a hairline fracture involving the femoral head of the bird's left leg.

To avoid potential long-term complications such as limb shortening and impaired mobility in the young bird, veterinary doctors applied a conventional fracture-management approach. This was followed by a carefully supervised two-month rehabilitation programme focused on restoring the vulture's mobility, strength, and flight capability.

Before being cleared for release, the vulture passed a comprehensive flight assessment to confirm it was clinically and behaviourally fit to return to the wild.

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

Colonel Dr. Navaz Shariff, chief wildlife veterinarian at PfA Wildlife Hospital, highlighted the significance of the rescue, noting that the species faces an extremely fragile future with only a few individuals remaining in certain areas. He stated that timely rescue, accurate diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation can prevent the loss of individual birds and make a crucial contribution to protecting the remaining habitat and breeding populations of vultures in Karnataka.