MP: Black vulture released in Halali Dam reaches Pakistan: How international coordination gave a new flight to an injured bird?
The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has achieved a remarkable milestone in the field of wildlife conservation. Under the Vulture Conservation Program, a female Cinereous Vulture (Black Vulture)—approximately two years of age—was successfully released into its natural habitat in the Halali Dam area of Raisen district, following its care at Van Vihar National Park. The Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC), located within Van Vihar National Park and Zoo, has emerged as an exemplary hub for scientific vulture conservation, having developed a coordinated model encompassing rescue, rehabilitation, tagging, reintroduction, and international-level monitoring.
Vulture was rescued in the Susner Range of Shajapur on Jan 22
The vulture was rescued in an injured state on January 22, 2026, from Parasuliya village in the Susner Range of Shajapur district. Experts at Van Vihar treated the bird in a quarantine facility; subsequently, on February 9, 2026, it was transferred to the VCBC for rehabilitation using scientific methodologies. At the VCBC, the vulture underwent treatment in strict adherence to comprehensive scientific protocols. Having fully recovered from a leg injury, the vulture was declared "Fit for Release."
On March 25, 2026, a GPS-GSM telemetry device was fitted onto the vulture, enabling its real-time monitoring. This operation was carried out in collaboration with WWF-India and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
Vulture reached Pakistan on April 6
Post-release monitoring revealed that the vulture traveled through Rajasthan, crossed the international border, and reached Pakistan on April 6, 2026. When signals ceased to be received on April 7, WWF-India acted with promptness to establish contact with WWF-Pakistan. Through the collaborative efforts of the Pakistan Forest Department and WWF-Pakistan, the vulture was safely recovered from local residents in the Khanewal district.
The vulture was found grounded—and unable to take flight—on April 7, 2026, following a severe hailstorm that swept through the Khanewal and Multan regions. Wildlife officials rescued the bird and administered first aid.
Under the supervision of WWF-Pakistan, it was transferred to a local Vulture Captive Breeding Center. The vulture had sustained minor injuries and is now recovering.
Vulture will be released back into its natural habitat
Van Vihar, acting through WWF-India, remains in constant contact with WWF-Pakistan to monitor the vulture's health. Once fully recovered, it will be released back into its natural habitat. This incident underscores the critical importance of international cooperation, scientific monitoring, and rapid response mechanisms in the conservation of migratory species.
Vulture reached Kazakhstan
In 2025, the Forest Department's VCBC successfully treated and tagged an injured Eurasian Griffon vulture, subsequently releasing it at Halali Dam on March 29, 2025. This vulture traveled over 4,300 kilometers to reach Kazakhstan before eventually returning to India. This study yielded significant insights into migratory routes and conservation challenges.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, a total of five vultures—including four Long-billed vultures and one Cinereous vulture—were successfully rehabilitated, tagged, and released on February 23, 2026. Through this initiative, Van Vihar is establishing itself as an international center of excellence for vulture conservation, utilizing a coordinated approach that integrates science, veterinary expertise, and modern technology.