Radio-tagged White-rumped Vulture Electrocuted 

Context

A captive-bred White-rumped Vulture released into the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve landscape died after being electrocuted upon coming in contact with an overhead power line. The incident highlights the challenges involved in the reintroduction of critically endangered species and the need to address infrastructure-related threats in wildlife habitats.

About the programme 

• The vulture was part of a species recovery programme involving captive breeding, radio-tagging and scientifically monitored release to revive declining vulture populations in southern India.
• Its death underscores the growing threat posed by overhead electricity transmission lines, particularly for large soaring birds.
• Wildlife experts have stressed the need for bird-safe power infrastructure, continuous post-release monitoring, and effective habitat management to improve the success of conservation and reintroduction programmes.

White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)

• The White-rumped Vulture is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• Its population experienced a catastrophic decline due to poisoning caused by the veterinary drug diclofenac, which leads to kidney failure in vultures feeding on treated livestock carcasses.
• In India, the species receives the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Radio Tagging

• Radio tagging is a wildlife monitoring technique in which a small transmitter is attached to an animal to track its movement, survival, habitat use and behaviour after release.
• It is an important tool in species recovery, ecological research and conservation management, enabling scientists to assess the effectiveness of reintroduction programmes and identify threats faced by released animals.