35 critically endangered vultures were released into the wild from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) at Rani in Kamrup district, as announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on December 8. This significant release marks a major step in Assam’s continuing conservation efforts.
The sixth addition of Kaziranga National Park received a new batch of 35 captive-bred vultures: 30 White-rumped Vultures and 5 Slender-billed Vultures.
Both species are listed as critically endangered, making this release an important milestone for their survival.
CM Sarma shares
CM of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, shared this development, wrote on X (formerly on Twitter), “Glad to announce the release of 30 White-rumped & 5 Slender-billed Vultures from VCBC, Rani into Kaziranga’s 6th Addition.”
He described the moment as symbolic of the legendary Jatayu from the Ramayana, adding, “These guardians of our health return to the wild, marking a triumph of our dedicated conservation efforts.”
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Officials explained that this release reflects years of sustained breeding and rehabilitation initiatives. The vulture population in India had once witnessed a catastrophic decline due to poisoning and habitat loss, and restoring their numbers has been a long-term priority. Conservationists believe Kaziranga’s rich ecosystem provides favourable conditions for the birds to adapt and thrive in the wild.
With vultures playing a vital ecological role in natural carcass disposal and disease control, their return marks another meaningful step toward restoring the region’s ecological balance. This initiative reinforces the importance of long-term conservation strategies and highlights Kaziranga as a stronghold for endangered wildlife.
