State Government Committed to Conservation of Ecologically Important Fauna: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Monday released five endangered vultures into their natural habitat in the Halali Dam water Wetland. The released birds included four Indian Vultures (Gyps indicus) and one Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus). The Chief Minister stated that the state government is firmly committed to the conservation of animal and bird species that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that while Madhya Pradesh is home to the highest number of tigers, leopards and other wildlife species, it also ranks first in vulture conservation. The state supports the largest vulture population in India, including migratory species. The Chief Minister congratulated the Forest Department and the local administration for their dedicated efforts toward vulture conservation.

It was informed that the five rare vultures, equipped with high-precision GPS-GSM satellite transmitters, were released after a structured acclimatisation and observation period at the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre in Bhopal. The tagging process was conducted in the presence of representatives from relevant institutions and the Forest Department, under the supervision of wildlife veterinarians from Wildlife SOS.

Initiatives for Vulture and Avian Conservation

This initiative marks a significant step in understanding the evolving “vulture landscape” of Central India. While Indian Vultures generally remain within localised territories, Cinereous Vultures undertake long-distance migrations along the Central Asian Flyway — one of the world’s major migratory bird corridors spanning over 30 countries. Data-Driven and Landscape-Level Conservation Model

In a major step toward strengthening bird conservation, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has launched a satellite telemetry programme in collaboration with WWF-India and Bombay Natural History Society.

Telemetry data provides critical insights into Landscape use by vultures, Movement patterns, Response to human-induced pressures, Identification of key roosting and feeding sites, High-risk zones such as electrocution, poisoning and habitat degradation. The scientific evidence generated through this initiative will help develop more effective threat mitigation strategies and strengthen cross-border conservation cooperation.

Madhya Pradesh has thus established an integrated, data-driven, landscape-level conservation ecosystem through satellite telemetry, ensuring long-term protection of endangered vulture species and reinforcing their role as indicators of environmental health.

In Indian tradition, vultures symbolise strength and sacrifice. The Ramayana recounts how Jatayu sacrificed his life while attempting to rescue Sita from Ravana, and how his brother Sampati once shielded him from the sun’s scorching heat, exemplifying courage and sacrifice.

Ecologically, vultures serve as nature’s sanitation workers, playing a vital role in maintaining environmental balance and preventing the spread of diseases. Madhya Pradesh has long been a stronghold of vulture populations in the country. Species found in the state include the Indian Vulture (Long-billed Vulture), Cinereous Vulture (Black Vulture), Egyptian Vulture (White Scavenger Vulture) and Himalayan Griffon.

Notably, on the first day of Vulture Estimation–2026, more than 1,000 vultures were observed in the South Panna Forest Division, the highest count recorded in recent years.

Senior MLA Dr. Prabhuram Choudhary, District Panchayat representative Shri Yashwant Meena, Shri Rakesh Sharma, Smt. Rajo Malviya and other public representatives were present at the event. The programme was conducted by Shri Kamlesh Bahadur Singh.