Photo via Dailynews

A rare Himalayan Griffon Vulture was rescued in Tak province, Thailand, on January 19. The bird, too weak to fly, collapsed near a house in Wang Chao district. Local residents quickly alerted authorities, highlighting the bird's endangered status and prompting immediate conservation action.

The vulture, initially seen struggling in the air, was pursued by crows before it crash-landed on the property of a local resident, Boonluea. After resting on a tree, it fell and was unable to move for several minutes. Boonluea protected the bird from his dogs and contacted Nopparat Manat, a local councillor, to seek expert help.

Experts identified it as a Himalayan Griffon Vulture, a protected species under Thai wildlife laws and considered near-threatened globally. Officials suspect it was migrating south from the Tibetan Plateau or western China. Speculations suggest the vulture was possibly attempting its journey toward Indonesia but was overwhelmed by the long travel.

Authorities captured the bird, transferring it to the Wildlife Conservation Division for rehabilitation. It is the third such vulture found in Thailand recently; similar cases in Lopburi and Satun highlight the challenges these birds face during migration.

Experts note that young vultures struggle due to inadequate food and harsh flying conditions in tropical climates, which lack the thermal currents vital for flight. The public is reminded of the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562, urging them to report any stranded vultures to authorities at the Department of National Parks hotline.

Meanwhile, in a related wildlife rescue, two white lions were treated for digestive issues after being found near the Thai-Cambodian border, reflecting the broader scope of wildlife conservation efforts in the region, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways

• A rare Himalayan Griffon Vulture was rescued in Tak, Thailand.

• This is the third recent vulture rescue in the area, indicating migration challenges.

• Authorities urge public cooperation in reporting injured vultures for their protection.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2026-01-19

 

 

Kudos to you, Mr Boonluea.