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4 July 2026

Vulture conservation and radio telemetry

Vulture conservation is a recurring theme in UPSC environment questions, and this topic provides specific, actionable data on conservation techniques like radio telemetry and the role of institutions like the BNHS.

1 min read Day 2 of 2 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • White-rumped vultures are a critically endangered species.
  • Radio telemetry is used by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to track the real-time movements of released captive-bred vultures.
  • The Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore, Haryana, is a key facility for captive breeding of vultures.
  • Radio telemetry data helps conservationists identify behavioral anomalies, such as habituation to humans, which can render captive-bred birds unfit for the wild.
  • Data allows for the 'herding' or relocation of straying individuals into safer, established habitats.
  • Power transmission lines pose a significant mortality risk to vultures, as evidenced by the death of the radio-tagged vulture Z25 in the Nilgiris.
  • Successful reintroduction requires acclimatization to wild populations and the avoidance of human-provided food sources.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 2 in Vulture conservation and radio telemetry monitoring, which has been running since 30 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Discuss the role of radio telemetry in the conservation and reintroduction of critically endangered avian species in India. How does real-time data monitoring assist in mitigating risks for captive-bred wildlife? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Examine the challenges associated with the reintroduction of captive-bred species into the wild. In the context of vulture conservation in India, analyze how habitat fragmentation and infrastructure development, such as power transmission lines, undermine long-term recovery efforts. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which organization is primarily responsible for the radio-tagging and monitoring of vultures mentioned in the context of the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve?

  2. What is the primary utility of radio telemetry in the context of wildlife conservation as described in the text?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-04/vulture-conservation-and-radio-telemetry