Six Himalayan vultures killed in Darrang

In a very tragic and shocking incident six endangered species of Himalayan vultures died and two critically injured in Udmari village near Kalaigaon in Darrang district on March 16 due to poisoning.The incident has caused sensation in the district and everybody has condemned the poisoning of the innocent vultures. According to information the migratory Himalayan vultures had eaten poisonous substances put in the carcass of a goat meant for a pack of stray dogs causing menace in the village.The carcass was thrown open in an open paddy field by the owner of the goat.The flock of eight Himalayan vultures after consuming the carcass had fallen seriously ill and started dying at 1 pm.The matter was brought to the notice of PCCF(Wildlife,Assam) by wildlife activists of Udalguri district.Circle Officer of Kalaigaon DN Hazarika arranged some veterinary first aids to two vultures struggling for life.In the meantime six vultures had already died before any treatment could be arranged.Wildlife officials from Mangaldai Forest Division who had arrived at the scene at 7.30 pm rescued the two vultures struggling with their lives.Nature loving people and wildlife activists of Darrang and Udalguri have expressed deep concern at the death of six endangered species of Himalayan vultures at Udmari village.They have urged the wildlife department of Assam immediately to launch awareness programme in the villages frequently visited by vultures and other migratory birds. A few youths of Udmari village namely-Hemanta Saharia,Partha Pratim Sarma, Sidhartha Saharia etc did excellent job in rescuing two vultures. According to latest update the rescued vultures are recovering well at Mangaldai.