Red‑Headed Vulture Spotted in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh – A Rare Conservation Moment

A rare sighting of the critically endangered red‑headed vulture (Gyps bengalensis) was reported in the rugged terrain of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand.

The bird was spotted by local wildlife officials during a routine survey of the region’s avifauna. Red‑headed vultures have suffered steep population declines across the Indian subcontinent, largely due to the veterinary use of the drug diclofenac.

Conservationists view the sighting as a hopeful indicator that the species may still persist in pockets of the Himalayas. Efforts to protect the remaining vulture populations include banning diclofenac and establishing safe feeding sites.

The Uttarakhand Forest Department has pledged to intensify monitoring and engage local communities in vulture conservation initiatives.