A rare Himalayan Griffon vulture in critical condition was rescued on Thursday morning, January 23, from the forest in Chirner, Uran, by wildlife rescuer Jayvant Thakur of the NGO Friends of Nature (FON). The vulture, suspected to be a victim of bird flu, is currently under treatment by veterinarian Dr. Rina Deb in Khar.

Dr. Deb, who is overseeing the bird’s treatment, has expressed concerns about the possibility of bird flu, as Chirner is a known hotspot for the disease. A blood sample from the vulture has been sent for laboratory testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Wildlife expert Pawan Sharma, founder of RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare), has taken charge of the vulture’s care. Sharma stated, “The vulture was found extremely dehydrated, starving, and in critical condition with high toxicity levels. While its condition has stabilized slightly after a day of treatment, it remains critical. We are providing comprehensive medical care under the supervision of Dr. Rina Deb.”

The rescue began after tribals in Chirner spotted the large bird lying on the ground behind bushes and, alarmed by its size and condition, contacted FON through an acquaintance. Thakur, the founder of FON, quickly coordinated the vulture’s transfer to the Airoli Rescue Center with assistance from the Forest Department.

The Himalayan Griffon vulture, a rare and majestic species, is facing a steady population decline due to various threats. According to Shri Virendra Tiwary, Director of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun, “The Himalayan Griffon vulture breeds in the high altitudes of the Himalayas and a few sites in the Indian Himalayan region. However, it is a common winter migrant to northern India, with very few sightings in the western parts of the country. The rescued bird is likely a young individual, as they tend to disperse far from their nesting areas.”

The Wildlife Institute of India is currently conducting a survey of vulture populations in major wintering sites across western India to understand the status and distribution of this critically important species.