Environment News

Vulture Reintroduction Setback

July 2 , 2026 9 hrs 0 min 49 0

A radio-tagged White-rumped Vulture died due to electrocution after coming into contact with a power line near Ebbanad, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.
The captive-bred bird was released in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in April 2026 as part of a reintroduction programme.
The vulture had earlier been released in Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, in December 2025 before being relocated to Mudumalai.
The White-rumped Vulture is endemic to South Asia, is listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Its population declined sharply due to poisoning from the veterinary drug Diclofenac, which causes kidney failure in vultures feeding on treated livestock carcasses.