Injured Vulture ‘Marich’ Returns to India After 15,000 km Journey Across Central Asia

Bhopal/Rajasthan: The Eurasian Griffon vulture, named ‘Marich’, has safely returned to India after an astonishing 15,000-kilometer journey spanning Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. The vulture, currently spotted in the Dholpur region of Rajasthan, provides critical insights into vulture migration and conservation patterns.

Journey from Injury to Freedom
Marich’s story began on 29 January, when it was found injured in Nagod village of Satna district, Madhya Pradesh. The vulture was initially treated at Mukundpur Zoo and later at the Van Vihar Rescue Center in Bhopal. After two months of care, Marich was fitted with a geo-tag and released from Halali Dam on 29 March.

By the first week of May, Marich had reached Kazakhstan, spending nearly four months there before beginning its return journey on 23 September, eventually entering India on 16 October. It has since been seen near the Damoh waterfall area in Dholpur, Rajasthan.

Conservation Insights
According to DFO Hemant Yadav, tracking Marich has provided invaluable data on vulture migration routes and conservation strategies. Vultures, often called nature’s cleaners, play a vital role in consuming carcasses, preventing the spread of disease, and recycling nutrients to maintain soil and water quality.

About the Eurasian Griffon Vulture
The Eurasian Griffon vulture is found in the mountainous and arid regions of Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia. Measuring 95–110 cm in length with a wingspan of 2.5–2.8 meters and weighing 6–11 kg, it is easily identified by a white ruff of feathers around its neck and brown plumage. These vultures can soar for hours using thermal air currents and primarily feed on carrion. While some remain local, others, like Marich, undertake long-distance migrations, demonstrating the species’ extensive travel capabilities.

Marich’s epic 15,000 km journey underscores the importance of monitoring and protecting migratory vultures to maintain ecological balance.