Overview
- Authorities initiated a second-phase soft release at Pench Tiger Reserve, observing previously released vultures interacting with and feeding alongside the new cohort.
- Reports differ on the tally released during the operation, with one account citing 13 birds—eight white-rumped and five long-billed—and another reporting 14.
- The birds were brought from Pinjore, Haryana, in April 2025 and acclimatised in a pre-release aviary, with the gate opened to allow voluntary departures.
- BNHS Director Kishor Rithe described the interactions as a strong positive behavioural indicator of integration into the local population.
- One white-rumped vulture remains under medical care, and officials plan similar releases at Melghat and Tadoba-Andhari, with BNHS already training staff and preparing 15 long-billed vultures at Melghat.