Recently, in the Mahamaya Reserve Forest within the Rajapara region of Kokrajhar Forest Division, two juvenile and one adult vulture sustained severe injuries after falling from their nests. This particular species, known as the White-backed Vulture, is endangered and listed in the Red Data Book of Wildlife Protection.
Previously, these vultures ceased nesting atop tall sal trees in the Rajapara area due to various factors, including human interference and the felling of these trees. However, thanks to conservation efforts led by activists from the Samiti group, vultures began nesting again in the Mahamaya forest area.
Unfortunately, a recent heavy rainstorm in the forest caused significant damage, with many trees being uprooted. Upon receiving reports of the injured vultures, Samiti activists promptly rushed to the location, rescued the birds, and transported them to the Rani Vulture Conservation Centre in Kamrup district for treatment.
Dr. Haricharan Das, Secretary General of Samiti, informed The Sentinel that he, along with other activists from the Mahamaya branch, visited the affected Rajapara area on May 9 to assess the well-being of the vultures.
Dr. Das explained that the White-backed Vulture, a species in global peril, is a significant concern. Advocacy efforts have been ongoing to designate the Rajapara forest area within the Mahamaya Forest as a Jatayu Park and the Mahamaya Reserve Forest as a wildlife sanctuary. These measures aim to protect and support the breeding of these vultures.
Dr. Das also mentioned that Samiti activists have been conducting surveys of both native and migratory vulture populations for some time, and this year, 16 new nestlings were hatched in the forest.
Furthermore, the committee urged the BTR administration not to indiscriminately cut down sal trees under the guise of road widening. These trees provide an ideal habitat for vultures and must be protected at all costs.
