Ten vultures that were rescued from Milanpur in Assam after the incident on the 17th of March. These vultures were released today to the wilderness from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Center.
In a gruesome incident, more than 100 vultures were found dead in the Milanpur region of Chhaygaon in Assam. These came to light on the evening of the 17th of March. Local authorities believed the reason to be food poisoning due to consumption of dead carcasses. And a few of these were also rescued in a very critical condition. They were then treated in the Vulture Conservation Breeding Center (BNHS) in Kamrup West Division of Assam Forest.
10 vultures which regained their health after this incident along with five more which were under treatment from before were released in Rani. One steppe eagle was also under treatment,which was released today.
Postmortem reports showed the presence of Carbofuron in the bodies of the dead and injured vultures. Further investigation revealed that the locals had laced carcasses with this toxin. Commonly known by the market name Furadan, it was aimed to kill dog and foxes in the region. These were then consumed by the scavenger birds which caused their death.
This news was contributed to Discover East by Nilutpal Mahanta. He is an wildlife researcher and enthusiast and is currently works as assistant professor in the Assam Don Bosco University.
