GPS-Tagged Vulture N11 Dies After 4,000-Km Journey, Highlighting Need for Wildlife-Safe Infrastructure

GPS-Tagged Vulture N11 Dies After 4,000-Km Journey, Highlighting Need for Wildlife-Safe Infrastructure

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A GPS-tagged white-rumped vulture, part of India’s Jatayu Conservation Project, tragically died after traveling over 4,000 kilometers. Named N11, the vulture began its journey in August from the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. It was tracked across Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu before its life was cut short by electrocution near Pudukottai’s Thirumayam Range.

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) explained that young vultures like N11 often explore vast areas out of curiosity before learning how to find food sustainably. During its journey, N11 faced challenges, including periods of weakness that required rehabilitation in Chhattisgarh and Gujarat. However, it recovered and continued its travels.

India’s vulture population has drastically declined in recent years, primarily due to the use of the veterinary drug Diclofenac, which was banned in 2006. Conservation efforts, such as the Vulture Action Plan by the Ministry of Environment, aim to restore vulture populations. Earlier this year, 20 vultures, including white-rumped and long-billed species, were released by the Maharashtra Forest Department and BNHS after being bred at a conservation center in Haryana.

This incident highlights the urgent need for infrastructure changes, such as insulating power lines, to protect wildlife and support ongoing conservation efforts.

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