Ockhi flew to Rajasthan from Udayagiri fort

Ockhi flew to Rajasthan from Udayagiri

Ockhi is a cinereous vulture who lost his ability to fly during the disastrous cyclone Ockhi . The vulture was under convalescence since 2017 at Udayagiri  fort, Thakkala in Kanyakumari district. He was enjoying himself as a favorite guest of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. The Eurasian black vulture, which has been restored to health with excellent care, is now on its way to the midpoint of its journey home. European cinereous vultures come to South Asia in winter. Cinereous, the Europe's largest vultures are very few in number. Mostly found in the Iberian Peninsula and Greece. These gregarious Eurasian vultures are birds capable of flying great distances at high altitudes.

After constant discussions with various agencies, it was decided to release the vulture in the forests of Rajasthan. It is assumed that it may have reached Kanyakumari from a group of vultures, following the course of the wind. Therefore, experts have expressed doubt that it will not be able to continue its life if it is released in the forests here. As such vultures arrive in northern India during autumn, it is hoped that the current Rajasthan journey will facilitate its rendezvous and return. Ockhi reaches Keru, which is known as the cattle carcass ground in Rajasthan. Keru is 20 km from Jodhpur. After a few days of rest at Machia Biological Park in Jodhpur, it will be released to Keru. A number of Eurasian vultures have already arrived here. After befriending and eating with them, it is hoped that they will travel to their homeland.

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department was in constant discussions with Air India as transporting the Ockhi by road over 2600 km from Kanyakumari would be harmful to the bird. Finally Department got permission to transport Ockhi by air. It is also noteworthy that this is the first time in India that such a vulture transport happens. The forest department provided continuous training to Ockhi for road travel and air travel. Ochi was kept in cages for 1-2 hours every day and taken in vehicles. The cage was also prepared in such a way that it gets enough air and light. The authorities were careful to pay special attention in the plane as well. It was brought to Chennai by road from Kanyakumari on October 30 and after resting till November 2, it was taken to Delhi on the 3rd of November. Kanyakumari DFO,Ilayaraja,veterinary doctor and bird handler received Ockhi at the airport and took it to Jodhpur after a three-hour rest. Operation Ockhi was a success thanks to meticulous precautions taken by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. This initiative has brought world's attention to India’s efforts on conservation of vultures. It also helped bring the importance India is giving on protection of migratory birds. “Operation Ockhi” will also be a significant chapter in the five-year Action Plan for Vulture, which began in 2020.