Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has launched ‘Gyps Vulture Reintroduction Programme’ by putting ten captive bred vultures in pre-release aviaries close to Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre at Pinjore. The exercise was part of reintroduction programme in the pre-release aviary, where birds will have an unobstructed view of the surrounding. It will also help them in getting use to the habitat in which they would be released in future.

The ten vultures released by the CM include two Himalayan Griffons, which were brought as sick birds. They have been in captivity for last ten years. The rest were all white-backed vultures, of which six were hatched in captivity at the centre and are of two-three years of age. The other two were adult birds rescued from the wild about ten years.

All the vultures have dummy satellite transmitters fitted as a back pack, but it will be replaced with actual transmitters at least a week before they are released in the wild. It will help in tracking the vultures. Before releasing the bird, it would be ensured that there is enough food in the habitat and low prevalence of the drug diclofenac at least in 100 km radius in the area targeted by advocacy and awareness programme.

Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre, run by Haryana Wild Life Department and the Forest Department, has been constantly working to increase their numbers through breeding and conservation.