Relevance: GS III (Environment & Biodiversity)

In a significant conservation milestone, five captive-bred White-rumped Vultures were released into the wild in Assam from the Rani Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC).

Key Highlights of the Initiative

• This marks the first-ever release of captive-bred vultures in Assam and Northeast India.
• The release was carried out under the supervision of:
• Assam Forest Department
• Bombay Natural History Society
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

About Rani Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC)

The Rani Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC), located near Guwahati, Assam, is a premier institution established in 2007 (jointly by Assam Forest Department & BNHS) to save critically endangered vulture species.

It focuses on breeding Slender-billed and White-rumped vultures, with a 2025 milestone release of 30 birds into Kaziranga National Park.

India has a total of four VCBCs and Rani VCBC represents the entire northeast India.

About White-Rumped Vulture

• Scientific name: Gyps bengalensis
• Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List)
• Native to the Indian subcontinent
• Population declined sharply due to diclofenac toxicity (veterinary drug)

Vulture Conservation in India

Operates Under:

• Vulture Conservation Action Plan 2020-2025

Spearheaded by:

• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• State Forest Departments
• Conservation organisations

Objectives

• Prevent vulture extinction
• Promote captive breeding and reintroduction
• Eliminate harmful drugs like diclofenac

Rani Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (Assam)

• Established in 2007
• Current population:
• 138 White-rumped vultures
• 56 Slender-billed vultures
• Total: 194 vultures
• Capacity to release 20–25 vultures annually

Ecological Importance of Vultures

• Act as natural scavengers, cleaning carcasses.
• Prevent spread of zoonotic diseases.
• Maintain ecosystem balance.

Exam Hook ( Prelims)

Consider the following statements:

The White-rumped vulture is listed as Critically Endangered.
Diclofenac use in cattle has contributed to vulture population decline in India.
Vultures play an important role in preventing the spread of diseases.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

One-line Wrap:

The release of captive-bred white-rumped vultures in Assam marks a major step in restoring ecological balance and reviving critically endangered species in India.