Griffon vulture rescued from drowning in Yamuna

A Himalayan Griffon vulture was rescued by villagers from drowning into the Yamuna river in Agra today, a wildlife NGO said today.

The young raptor trying desperately to stay afloat was seen by villagers near the Bainpur range in Sikandra, said Baiju Raj M V, director conservation projects, Wildlife SOS.

After receiving the information, the Forest Department and Wildlife SOS, a wildlife conservation NGO, rushed to the spot.

The vulture was undergoing treatment at the Wildlife SOS rescue facility, Baiju said.

The Himalayan Griffon vulture is found along the Himalayas and the adjoining Tibetan Plateau, he stated.

According to Baiju, the species is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and listed as near threatened in the IUCN Red Data list.

Ilayaraja, Wildlife SOS Deputy Director, Veterinary Services, said, "The bird is under mandated medical observation".

Once the bird fully recovers its strength, it would be released back into the wilderness for conducive natural environment needed for its survival, Baiju said.