Last Update: April 26, 2023, 09:14 AM IST
He feeds it rabbit, deer, chicken and mouse meat to simulate its diet in the wild. (Credits: Reuters)
The pinkish chick, covered in white fluff that will turn into black feathers as it grows, is the first red-headed, or Asian king vulture, in Asia and only the second in the world.
Four times a day, Thai conservationist Watchiradol Phangpanya dons a black, long-sleeved shirt, red gloves and a red balaclava in hopes of imitating an endangered red-headed vulture feeding its brood. The pinkish chick, covered in white fluff that will turn into black feathers as it grows, is the first red-headed, or Asian king vulture, in Asia and only the second in the world. Wachiradol and his colleagues at the Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo in northeastern Thailand want to ensure that any hatchlings born in captivity are not exposed to humans, so they will be better prepared for eventual release into the wild.
Wachiradol said, “It is necessary … to disguise ourselves as a bird, so that they can see us closer to what our parents look like.” This is your best chance to develop the bird’s natural instincts.
He feeds it rabbit, deer, chicken and mouse meat to simulate its diet in the wild. Wachiradol said that after weaning, the chick is exposed to sunlight for vitamin D, which it needs for physical and behavioral development.
“Is there enough nutrition in its food? Or is it getting too much? Every moment, there will be anxiety,” he said.
As scavengers, red-headed vultures played an important role in the ecosystem by feeding on animal carcasses. However, hunting and changes in its habitat have meant that the species has become extinct in the wild in Thailand and is significantly reduced globally.
After nearly two decades of trying to increase the red-headed vulture population, the zoo is starting to see results with its parent incubating another egg under protection. Conservation teams hope it can eventually build up a population large enough for release.
“The most important aspect of our success will be to enhance the ecosystem of the Huai Kha Khang Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO heritage site,” said Thanachon Kensingh, director of the zoo. Asian King Vulture.
“We would like to see the Asian king vulture fly through the skies of Thailand once again,” he said.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – reuters,
