Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:16pm on 09 Dec 2025,Tuesday India
Assam's Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre released 35 critically endangered vultures, 30 White-rumped and 5 Slender-billed into Kaziranga National Park Monday under Bishwanath Wildlife Division. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called them "guardians of our health," comparing them to Ramayana's Jatayu, marking the 6th edition release. Both species are IUCN Red List Critically Endangered and Schedule I protected, having suffered 97% population crashes in two decades from diclofenac poisoning, the fastest bird decline recorded. Assam remains India's last slender-billed vulture stronghold. The VCBC-Rani, a joint Assam Forest Department-BNHS initiative, has bred 800+ vultures nationwide over 15 years. Additional releases planned for early 2026 in Kamrup and Biswanath districts.(PC: HT)
