A tragic incident involving rare vultures occurred in the Lathi area of Jaisalmer on Wednesday, highlighting the persistent threat railway lines pose to local wildlife. Two vultures lost their lives, and another was seriously injured after being struck by a train near Dholiya village.
Details of the Accident
The accident took place when the birds were feeding on animal carcasses lying close to the railway tracks. The area around Lathi, including villages like Dholiya, Khetolai, Odhaniya, Chandan, and Sodhakor, is known for its rich livestock population. Animals from these villages often graze in open fields adjacent to the tracks and sometimes meet fatal accidents while crossing. Their remains then attract scavengers, setting the stage for further tragedy.
Upon receiving information from railway personnel, a team led by Abhishek Vishnoi, president of Kamdhenu Sena and a wildlife enthusiast, rushed to the spot. The regional forest officer, Jagmal Singh Solanki, also arrived with his team to handle the situation. The forest department team collected the dead vultures, which were scattered over a stretch of about one kilometre, for post-mortem examination. The injured bird was taken away for immediate medical treatment.
A Recurring Threat to Migratory Birds
This is not an isolated event. The forest department is conducting further investigations, but a clear pattern has emerged. During the winter months, vultures migrate from the Himalayas to this region in search of food. They spend the day hovering around the tracks, feeding on the carcasses of livestock killed in previous train collisions.
The sudden noise and approach of a train startle the feeding birds. In their hurried attempt to fly away, they often misjudge the speed of the train or take off directly into its path, leading to fatal collisions. Similar incidents have claimed the lives of vultures in the same manner in the past, pointing to a systemic issue that requires urgent attention.
Conservation Concerns and the Way Forward
The death of these vultures, which are already endangered species, is a significant blow to conservation efforts. The Lathi area is recognized for supporting rich wildlife and diverse bird populations, making such accidents particularly concerning.
This incident underscores the critical need for collaborative measures between the forest department and Indian Railways to mitigate wildlife-train conflicts. Potential solutions could include:
- Regular clearing of animal carcasses from near the tracks to remove the food source that attracts scavengers.
- Increased vigilance and possibly reduced train speed in identified wildlife-sensitive zones.
- Creating awareness among local communities about the importance of safeguarding these endangered birds.
The immediate focus remains on the treatment of the injured vulture and the official findings from the post-mortem reports.
