Epic journey: Lone one-year-old vulture travels 4,000km from Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu

The vulture was part of a conservation project, GPS-tagged to study movement and behaviour. (Image: Canva)

A one-year-old white-rumped vulture has astonished researchers. The captive-bred bird flew 4,000 km from Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu. The vulture, released from Tadoba-Andhari in July, is GPS-tagged. It was part of the Jatayu Conservation Initiative, which protects endangered vultures.

For the past four days, it rested in Aranthangi. Observers found the bird in an abandoned agricultural plot. Experts say the bird is uninjured but visibly exhausted. "It devoured one kilogram of meat," said S Bharathidasan, founder of Arulagam.

Tamil Nadu: A Haven for Vultures

The vulture’s journey included several pit stops across states. Tamil Nadu remains a preferred habitat for nesting and foraging. The species is critically endangered, according to the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts involve GPS tracking to monitor vulture behaviour. The Maharashtra forest department tagged 20 vultures for research. Ten were released in Pench, and ten in Tadoba-Andhari.

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Bharathidasan suggested relocating the vulture to Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. This area has a thriving vulture population, especially in Moyar Valley. Recent surveys revealed 320 vultures across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Experts recommend tagging Tamil Nadu’s vultures for behavioural studies.

The long flight highlights the need for strengthened conservation measures. Protecting these birds ensures ecological balance and biodiversity preservation.