Rescued vulture travels from Madhya Pradesh to Afghanistan after recovery

A Eurasian Griffon vulture that fell due to dehydration in Satna in Madhya Pradesh has completed an extraordinary journey across international borders, reaching Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan near the Tajikistan border. The bird was rescued in January after locals reported its collapse and was initially treated in Satna. It was later shifted to the vulture conservation center at Van Vihar National Park and Zoo in Bhopal for specialized care and rehabilitation. 

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After nearly two months of recovery, the vulture was released on 29 March and has since traveled across northern India and beyond. Eurasian Griffons, among the largest Old World Vultures, migrate each winter from Europe and Central Asia in search of milder climate and food sources. While they primarily inhabit countries such as Spain, Turkey and Kazakhstan, some reach central and northern parts of India during migration. 

This incident highlights the vital role of Madhya Pradesh, often called India’s “Vulture state”, in vulture conservation. The state is home to seven out of the nine vulture species found in India, including critically endangered ones. Protected ones like Panna Tiger Reserve and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary serve as key habitats, while the Van Vihar conservation center plays a significant role in rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds. 

The vulture’s journey occurs against a backdrop of declining vulture populations in South Asia, primarily due to habitat destruction, poisoning and harmful veterinary drugs like diclofenac.