This milestone marks a significant triumph for the vulture conservation breeding and release program.
Mumbai: The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) recorded a unique observation in vulture conservation in Maharashtra, when one of the released Indian Vultures named ‘J132’, successfully spent 56 continuous days in the wild after two initial recaptures, seamlessly integrating into the natural landscape and covering over 1,618 kilometers.
This milestone marks a significant triumph for the vulture conservation breeding and release program.
It was initially released as part of the second batch of vultures at the Pench Tiger Reserve on December 11, 2025.
Following the first release, the bird demonstrated its flight capacity by dispersing to Nashik, covering more than 750 km in 20 days before it was recaptured due to its physical conditioning.
After a second brief release in early 2026, the third release came on June 7, 2026, in Nashik, raising concerns about whether it would learn the necessary tricks to live in the wild.
“Researchers were happy to see it completing 56 continuous days in the wild, demonstrating exceptional navigational ability, site fidelity, and survival instincts,” BNHS Director Kishor Rithe said.
Satellite telemetry data managed by BNHS researchers provided an unprecedented look into J132’s post-release behaviour.
Over the past eight weeks, the scavenger has maintained a steady average daily flight distance, with a peak single-day traversal of 168 kilometers recorded on June 17.
