PALASBARI,April 29: Vultures Conservation and Breeding Centre ( VCBC), Rani , Kamrup in association with Assam Forest Department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has released 15 Himalayan vultures in Kamrup on Monday ( April 29).
According to Assistant Director , BNHS, Sachin Ranade who is also in-charge of the VCBC, Rani, the Vultures were rescued during March and April of this year from Loharghat area under Kamrup District of the Assam when the birds were found injured due to poising and thereafter the vultures were given meticulous care and rehabilitation at the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) situated in Belguri near Rani in Kamrup district of Assam. Before release, the Griffon vultures were constantly monitored and acclimated by a team of experts.
The Himalayan vultures, which are migratory birds, are expected to initiate their homeward journey in a few days after today’s release in the wild.
It may be mentioned here that Himalayan vultures used to migrate to Assam and other areas during winter from Himalayan region and generally return to their native place during April – May every year. Prior to their release on Monday, the vital signs of each vulture were meticulously assessed by the veterinary professionals of the VCBC, Rani. The transfer of these rehabilitated vultures from their holding aviaries to the release site was executed with precision, utilizing transportation boxes and overseen by a team comprising veterinarians, biologists, and representatives from the forest department.
The release ceremony was attended by Dimpi Bora , DFO, Kamrup West Forest Division and the Range Forest Officers of Kulsi and Loharghat Forest Ranges, Dipan Deka and Shamim Akhatar respectively.
ABHIJIT KALITA, GUWAHATI
