Saturday, January 8, 2022

Second attempt to free cinereous vulture fails with bird not being able to sustain flight



The rare cinereous vulture flew only a short distance and was recaptured again on Jan 5, 2022.
PHOTO: The rare cinereous vulture flew only a short distance and was recaptured again on Jan 5, 2022.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Picture posted by The New Paper on 05 January 2022 at 06:48 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKikvb54iNO1o38iBaxmNd7CUIgTxP-cjjVlaVYCNlC9CaJ2ZH2_6Yz43zfbxLGdocamjF-bJu08gb9-fogwleFqehtWg5DUrV1AIwdhubcOA1ZACbRS9Dzd_6PPcq0VGgehMkTSCqMq7-8IYi9DtM6c8PBZ0RXymhRIUvgyZjzAUpA583Xb9_1whu=s780
https://tnp.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/styles/rl780/public/af_vulture_050122.jpg?itok=RI_HVAnN
https://tnp.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/second-attempt-free-cinereous-vulture-fails-bird-not-being-able-sustain-flight



The rare cinereous vulture - the first of the species recorded in Singapore - tested its wings for the first time on Wednesday afternoon (Jan 5) since hospitalisation.

The clear sunny skies and winds made it optimal for the raptor to rise, with the National Parks Board (Nparks) deciding to free the bird just two hours before the time initially planned to ensure the best conditions for its release.

But the juvenile, which weighs about 7kg , barely flew about 50m away before landing in an adjacent field.


The juvenile, which weighs about 7kg, barely flew more than 50m before landing in an adjacent field.
PHOTO: The juvenile, which weighs about 7kg, barely flew more than 50m before landing in an adjacent field. Following its short flight, the vulture was examined by veterinarians from Jurong Bird Park before it was allowed to try again. But it merely wandered for an hour. Weather conditions worsened and the bird was taken away by NParks and Mandai Wildlife Group staff to rest for the day.
Picture posted by Ang Qing, The Straits Times on 05 January 2022 at 06:39 pm SGT

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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/2nd-attempt-to-free-cinereous-vulture-fails-after-bird-not-able-to-sustain-flight



Following its short flight, the vulture was examined by veterinarians from Jurong Bird Park before it was allowed to try again. But it merely wandered for an hour. Weather conditions worsened and the bird was taken away by NParks and Mandai Wildlife Group staff to rest for the day.

Wednesday's attempted release of the juvenile follows another attempt the day before.

In a statement to The Straits Times on Monday night, Dr Xie Shangzhe, deputy vice-president for conservation, research and veterinary at Mandai Wildlife Group, said that the migratory bird had been assessed to be strong enough to fly sufficient distances and reach an area with food. This was among other criteria used to time its release, which includes weather conditions.


Staff from Mandai Wildlife Group urging the rare cinereous vulture to fly away.
PHOTO: Staff from Mandai Wildlife Group urging the rare cinereous vulture to fly away. Wednesday's attempted release of the juvenile follows another attempt the day before.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Picture posted by Ang Qing, The Straits Times on 05 January 2022 at 06:39 pm SGT

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaHeZSgSAUlEw5g-CZf5QVd2_FlkilHXjXiANi7PmGWbIqXSLRaQ7mAYfMHYpue-v6ZaLzHHki4KvFSdOT1kY81ezS4yvhw6_NGk2rJ1tHOLkuLyv8TbXqw9joR4mIBgM-R3wb8GreiSb5TaDHbwvPKzz4ulK1E6mPehhD7hb-LJpzZLkCIp71z1BP=s780
https://static1.straitstimes.com.sg/s3fs-public/styles/large30x20/public/articles/2022/01/05/yq-sgvulture1-05012022.jpg
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/2nd-attempt-to-free-cinereous-vulture-fails-after-bird-not-able-to-sustain-flight



"It is necessary to make sure that these animals achieve good return-to function to ensure their survival back in the wild," he said.

"For migratory species, there is a fine line between releasing them too early, such that they have not built up enough energy reserves, and releasing too late, resulting in a disruption of their migratory movement patterns."

The cinereous vulture was first sighted at Singapore Botanic Gardens a week ago.


Staff from Mandai Wildlife Group carrying the recaptured rare cinereous vulture back to the van.
PHOTO: Staff from Mandai Wildlife Group carrying the recaptured rare cinereous vulture back to the van.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Picture posted by Ang Qing, The Straits Times on 05 January 2022 at 06:39 pm SGT

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWZRyfDRsj7v2HACumv7tPI_kzUp2qyyImGtvfCXc_JElkmo-eesa4AJI7mqRUg7u3YMMvv15s4xPB2zgfr5FzFng2Z-piYmmEcM5sokyIbRG5BtULn15-1DXERCXiSuY-HZlN38G_F3QSR-hwrvtfeSfr_0bHeF0v2erdhSIF2Ele6gLgd3usu-dS=s780
https://static1.straitstimes.com.sg/s3fs-public/styles/large30x20/public/articles/2022/01/05/yq-sgvulture3-05012022.jpg?VersionId=EWtYPT.I0Zr4rjTQwEWPpVhAPNNvk5S9&itok=rwgjFLrt
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/2nd-attempt-to-free-cinereous-vulture-fails-after-bird-not-able-to-sustain-flight



On Thursday, it was photographed by flocks of bird enthusiasts along with five Himalayan griffon vultures at the gardens.

It was later found sitting weakly on the ground at Cornwall Gardens by a bird photographer who wanted to be known as Martin T.

NParks group director of wildlife management Adrian Loo told The Straits Times on Tuesday that the cinereous vulture had taken off with other birds at Singapore Botanic Gardens in the late morning, but was too weak to sustain flight and landed.


Staff from Mandai Wildlife Group with the recaptured rare cinereous vulture in the van.
PHOTO: Staff from Mandai Wildlife Group with the recaptured rare cinereous vulture in the van.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Picture posted by Ang Qing, The Straits Times on 05 January 2022 at 06:39 pm SGT

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitc8aosrf3pvXYKU5AikGBrxsjEdzFmv1BX09QWR00I6mZHCRGIxqL6EMnSrfTm4-YqNplT3oB459QXsS0k9103tHvnsndQc3HJ3ennn1iaY6f5LhNYLM-Vxp8NcEhZrUAZJQk6zswlckn3ITORxByWkHEdZ7MRVojT1rBUKz3-8BewM9ZeUnysC4a=s1535
https://static1.straitstimes.com.sg/s3fs-public/articles/2022/01/05/yq-sgvulture2-05012022.jpg?VersionId=l9YpYLln82C.Y_jzdE4rhYt_KNSYyHF9
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/2nd-attempt-to-free-cinereous-vulture-fails-after-bird-not-able-to-sustain-flight



Dr Xie said on Monday that the scavenger's weakened state was probably due to exhaustion from flying long distances - a common challenge faced by migratory birds - and it needed to replenish its energy reserves.

The bird was later taken to Jurong Bird Park's bird hospital for veterinary care until Monday.

No abnormalities or injuries were detected when the scavenger was first checked by Jurong Bird Park's avian veterinarian team, said Dr Xie.

The sooty species, native to Europe and northern Asia, is vagrant to South-east Asia, said Dr Loo. This means the bird has flown off-course or was blown off-course.


Cinereous Vulture and 3 Himalayan Vulture friends.
PHOTO: Cinereous Vulture and 3 Himalayan Vulture friends. Early this morning at Botanic Gardens. What a thrill to watch them wake up and stretch! [2]
Picture posted by Shiu Ling on 30 December 2021 at 10:14 am - Bird Sightings.
Picture re-posted by Zi Shan Kow, mothership on 30 December 2021 at 04:48 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2pkvtgdC6PxfQoLCmqZ8dqYQwGE1LugOrHjyiVyyGSbWeLwIqFMurX_eL7dNtl-TNTR3zPugKtTq4benB5JoSypxJm3YRn2Ngv9tOGeH7XQOSZCMLE1QzbRcmKdBFI0-69RPxTfXj07oKeA7ZZpsaAvw_e_f5oJ-yDBSPRqF6xoqJZ49PL-JCt3R0=s2048
https://scontent.fsin9-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/269910541_10159793083764214_1628078499299787838_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=CNrnUJJaA28AX_7tw3p&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin9-1.fna&oh=00_AT-UDO1Tsd4In0VENff8kMAP0ZyvxLZGQqo6xkBCKjHNEQ&oe=61DF42FF
https://www.facebook.com/groups/birdsightings/posts/3221009981451333/



It usually spends winters in northern India, the Middle East and occasionally South Korea, he added.

"During the yearly migratory bird season, thousands of migratory birds fly in from their breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere to Singapore to feed and roost," said Dr Loo.

This occurs between September and March, and the nation's mangroves, mudflats, ponds and forests become homes for these birds.

Singapore is an important stopover for migratory birds, said Dr Loo, as it is part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway - a migratory route that stretches from the Arctic, through Russia and Alaska to Australia and New Zealand, encompassing 22 countries - and the Central Asian Flyway, which includes the Himalayas, where the cinereous vulture can be found.


Another Mega Lifer seen on 29/12/2021 in the Learning Forest, Singapore Botanic Gardens !!
PHOTO: Another Mega Lifer seen on 29/12/2021 in the Learning Forest, Singapore Botanic Gardens !!
The cinereous vulture is distinctly dark, with the whole body being brown excepting the pale head in adults, which is covered in fine blackish down.
The cinereous vulture is a Eurasian species. The western limits of its range are in Spain and inland Portugal, with a reintroduced population in south France. Their range continues through Afghanistan eastwards to northern India to its eastern limits in central Asia, where they breed in northern Manchuria, Mongolia and Korea. Their range is fragmented especially throughout their European range.
The cinereous vulture has declined over most of its range in the last 200 years in part due to poisoning by eating poisoned bait put out to kill dogs and other predators, and to higher hygiene standards reducing the amount of available carrion; it is currently listed as Near Threatened. [2]
Picture posted by Vincent Yip BirdingNature on Thursday, 30 December 2021 at 12:22 am -  𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐕𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZzAlS4KMHAJ5mZFLZ1mHntZdL2kUUzSJxNcpJz14VzrxuXW4pghXeA7QB5CdX_eQ7qcB9QCIOf1wZi-03X8QQs-Wdg3Hy4o3Vrr9x3A4Lbl6NjrfmluWY6bbIb9z3dUz3c_46x4mQwB4vHqEAnL_TYkn4YfD24U5VWBydHArs-kzpXNhIxk6WIvH3=s1208
https://scontent.fsin9-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/269783971_3188786034696549_2901965441372475876_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=tR0ZS-Kx9KcAX_UOI45&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin9-1.fna&oh=00_AT-umb8frxbcR24xKBOtNh5oy1hZLrRqpwrczRItYp-0gg&oe=61DF12FF
https://www.facebook.com/groups/birdsightings/posts/3220718428147155/



Wherever possible, migratory birds taken into Jurong Bird Park's bird hospital will be released back to their natural habitats, usually within a day if they are healthy, said Dr Xie.

There are rare instances, however, where a bird may be absorbed into Mandai Wildlife Group's parks if they require long-term care and monitoring, he added.

In 2005, a Himalayan griffon vulture was rescued at Nanyang Girls' High School after it was seen vomiting.


Himalayan Griffon Vulture @ Singapore Botanic Gardens
PHOTO: Himalayan Griffon Vulture @ Singapore Botanic Gardens
Picture posted by Sangmen Wong on Thursday, 30 December 2021 at 3:49 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEyzERvFxtRN-QX4ndb7n0C_4lXIrRB4iuTJtGGy67LOYMtXaUmOkkZW2beZorsUGHYY0FtE7Mibx3LRkQtRWrSRp0YD7ZJ70Lz8LU-Q326Y8T8MY4mBTbqK3yCf1wLehUN8aR8d4DzVI7rD1QnUazYLG-K26qTX0wxWiUjumE_NIonJAUGb0L6H0H=s1856
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https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=4719974368090522&set=a.315792678508735



The scavenger, named Genghis, remains under the care of the park's Animal Presentation team after it was treated and rehabilitated.

Members of the public should contact NParks or the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) when they encounter an injured bird or any animal requiring assistance.


Himalayan Griffon Vulture @ Singapore Botanic Gardens
PHOTO: Himalayan Griffon Vulture @ Singapore Botanic Gardens [2]
Picture posted by trevor.teo on Thursday, 30 December 2021

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihAc4OCOdSTvxJbnlVX7N7MGDVSTj8bqYIGcVd2Ubm2eQivmfhF7_ZaaWvhJ9jfPcvJqS9kcddt2lGOD29usUyMCPqosU3dNgOrW4njhlPnsMptQ04oj58UlE5rDicdOEkzhL29tQ0EaCXs4tkeXSeUn78ivaMe4JQP6rvZ__s5v1FCWs3K_r0hYEk=s1306
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CYEyMY7von4/



They should not approach, provoke or feed the animal, and follow the instructions of the NParks or Acres officer on the phone. The public may contact NParks on 1800-471-7300 or Acres on 9783-7782.

Bird photographers, such as the crowd of about 50 enthusiasts seen taking photos of the vulture last Thursday, are also advised by NParks to be socially responsible and observe safe management measures.


Himalayan Griffon Vulture @ Singapore Botanic Gardens
PHOTO: This afternoon, Yip Jen Wei who is doing a tremendous Big Year informed some of us that there were Himalayan Vultures that landed at Learning Forest at Singapore Botanic Gardens. When I asked whether anyone was going for them, there wasn't any reply.

As I stayed not too far away and was available, I decided to drive to look for them. When I was a few minutes away from the location, he (Jen Wei) answered "Us". I knew that Martin Kennewell should be with him. The rain started and increased in intensity as I got closer to the carpark. As I rounded the corner, I saw a lone photographer rushing in. I couldn't catch who he was but I knew something good was coming up. I read Jen Wei's message. "very slim possible one is not a himalayan griffon". That got me excited.

Just as I disembarked to quickly get the umbrella from my boot, Martin Kennewell called me. It was raining and I was out of the car! But you do not hang up on Martin when he calls. "Francis I think we got a Black Vulture, or Monk Vulture. Some called it Cinereous Vulture. It's raining so we don't have a clear view but it's not a Himalayan." Well I was getting soaked but that was all I needed to quickly get geared up and with my umbrella with me, quickly got to the walkway. Saw some photographers and asked for the location of the bridge that was mentioned by Jen Wei. A few photographers gave me the directions. As I reached, I went straight to Martin who quickly placed my sight on the vultures. 5 Himalayan and one odd one out. But this time, the rain subsided and Martin's views (as well as the rest of us) got better and he confidently said its a Monk Vulture. Which meant Cinereous Vulture in IOC nomenclature. I took some shots. Observed what was going on. The gathering crowd were excited with smiling faces. I'm not sure how many actually knew the significance of the Cinereous Vulture sighting, but it didn't matter. As I look towards Martin, there he was, on yet another video call to his daughter sharing his joy. I smiled. Life is good all around!

And that is how we got Singapore's first Cinereous Vulture. Many better photos will no doubt be posted. This is just my version of the event. [2]
Picture posted by Francis Yap on Wednesday, 29 December 2021 at 8:23 PM

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFcoUI_UKhkXzQjgtm8ISTiD7f-zFgDnWke-M25FrBOMQmDh24Dfyz407fVfv3eeRHIgDdDuNGAyumLXytbEqfzlPQ_NESfDzacVVXXhgU0p0RYVJwMbZ7_3Xb3OsCJE_TyQIsJsofBBsBT6lzE1xSxFj1nPFmxiDTxSTrDQeBEWFPtcJMVSlpb1Wq=s2048
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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10226733370665005&set=gm.3220558461496485&type=3


By The New Paper, 05 January 2022 at 06:48 pm
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Reference
[1] The New Paper, Second attempt to free cinereous vulture fails with bird not being able to sustain flight, posted on 05 January 2022 at 06:48 pm, https://tnp.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/second-attempt-free-cinereous-vulture-fails-bird-not-being-able-sustain-flight

[2] Zi Shan Kow, mothership, Never-seen-before Cinereous vulture & 5 Himalayan Griffon vultures gather at S'pore Botanic Gardens, posted on Thursday, 30 December 2021 at 04:48 pm, https://mothership.sg/2021/12/cinereous-vulture-singapore-botanic-gardens/


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