Deep Rajwar said that spotting vultures has always been a challenge, as their numbers have witnessed a continuous decline over the past few years. Wildlife lovers are jubilant following the spotting of rare vultures.

Rajwar recalled that vultures were previously sighted in the Jhirna tourism zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve in 2017, and subsequently in the Chidiyaghar area in 2021. Now, in 2026, the reappearance of seven vultures together suggests a potential increase in their population.

Rajwar emphasized that vultures play a crucial role in the ecosystem and are regarded as nature’s “sanitation workers.” While only five vultures were sighted previously, the current sighting of seven constitutes a positive sign.

Commenting on the matter, renowned ornithologist Sumanta Ghosh stated that vultures were once among the most abundant predatory birds in the world, with their population estimated at approximately 45 million. However, their population has suffered a drastic decline due to the use of veterinary painkillers—specifically Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)—in livestock. In India, a decline of up to 99.9 percent has been recorded in the vulture population.

Meanwhile, Dr. Saket Badola, Director of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, noted that over the past few decades, the populations of several vulture species have plummeted by as much as 95 percent. He stated that protected areas like Corbett continue to serve as safe habitats for these rare species. The sighting of White-rumped vultures in the Teda region reflects the positive results of conservation efforts.

This area, adjacent to the world-famous Corbett Park, is often home to a diverse array of wildlife. However, the sighting of an albino monkey is considered extremely rare.

According to experts, albinism is a genetic condition characterized by a lack of a pigment called melanin. This lack of melanin causes the skin, hair, and eyes to appear much lighter or whiter than normal. This explains why this monkey’s body appeared completely white and eyes appeared red.

According to experts, this is not a separate species, but a rare biological condition found in normal monkeys. This condition occurs in only one in thousands. Albino animals often face challenges in their natural environment, as their unusual coloration makes them easily visible to predators. Furthermore, bright sunlight and vision problems can also pose a problem for them.

Nature guide Mohit Sharma reported that he spotted this monkey roaming the trees during a safari in the Phato Zone. Noticing its unique appearance, he immediately captured it on camera.

Wildlife experts believe that such rare occurrences reflect the region’s biodiversity. However, it is crucial to protect such animals so that they can survive in their natural environment.

Currently, this rare albino monkey has become a center of attraction for tourists and nature lovers and is a topic of discussion in the area.

Naturalist Himanshu Tiruva captured these rare birds on camera. As soon as the images surfaced, a wave of excitement swept through wildlife lovers and nature researchers.

Himanshu Tiruva explained that the Dusky Eagle Owl was last recorded in the Corbett region approximately 15 years ago, and there had been no official confirmation since. Therefore, the sighting of this rare bird in the tourist zone after such a long gap is not only a matter of joy but also a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity. He added that this species is extremely quiet, cautious, and rarely seen, making it a significant achievement to be able to spot it.

Forest department officials also considered the sighting of this rare bird significant. Dr. Saket Badola, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kumaon, stated that continuous efforts are being made to conserve biodiversity in Corbett and its surrounding forests. The return of such rare wildlife species has been possible due to improved conservation, habitat protection, and reduced human interference. He stated that this indicates that the ecosystem here remains balanced and favorable.

Bird enthusiast Somanta Ghosh believes that the presence of the Dusky Eagle Owl clearly demonstrates the availability of prey species and the preservation of dense forests in the area. This sighting is not only significant from a tourism perspective but also sends a positive message about the success of conservation efforts.

The return of this rare bird after 15 years has once again made the Corbett area a special destination for wildlife lovers.

A White-crested Laughing Thrush was seen enjoying the nectar from the bright red flowers of a firebush plant. Renowned wildlife enthusiast Sanjay Chhimwal captured this beautiful moment on camera.

The White-crested Laughing Thrush is known for its striking white crest and playful nature. Usually seen in flocks and recognized for its loud, laughing-like call, this time it was a special experience for nature lovers.

The Corbett Landscape, the vast forest area surrounding Jim Corbett National Park, is world-renowned for its biodiversity. It is home to a variety of bird species, wildlife, and rare flora. The firebush plant is known for its attractive red-orange flowers, which are rich in nectar and attract birds and butterflies.

Wildlife enthusiast Sanjay Chhimwal described this scene as early morning, when the bird was peacefully sucking nectar from the flowers amidst the tranquility of the forest.

He said such scenes not only showcase the beauty of nature but also reveal how life flourishes in the forests with such diversity and balance. This photo once again proves that the Corbett Landscape is a paradise not only for tigers but also for bird lovers.

This bird was sighted during a waterfowl monitoring program conducted by Magpie Corbett. The team observed the Common Shelduck feeding and resting along the reservoir’s edge, alongside a large flock of Ruddy Shelducks. Its identification was confirmed based on its distinctive white body, iridescent dark green head, and red bill base. Clear photographs of the bird were also captured by the team, making this record even more significant.

The Common Shelduck is a migratory waterfowl that typically migrates to India from Europe and Central Asia during the winter months. While there are older records of its presence in the Corbett region, it had not been sighted for several years. Therefore, its return is considered a very positive sign for biodiversity.

During this monitoring program, the team also witnessed other rare and notable sights. Bird experts sighted a Short-eared Owl and also observed Indian Spot-billed Ducks breeding. The ducks were seen with their chicks. It is generally uncommon to see them with chicks at this time of year.

Several bird enthusiasts and experts participated in this bird-watching expedition, including Dipankar Khulbe, Rahul Rautela, Shikha Pandey, Anant Erickson, Samiksha Manral, Deepak Pandey, Jason Coutinho, Sagar Balmiki, Shubham Phulara, and Jagrita Bhatt.

The team stated that these observations highlight the ecological importance of the Tumaria Reservoir and underscore the crucial need for continued conservation efforts, regular monitoring, and protection of natural habitats for migratory birds.

This large bird, usually seen in large water bodies, being spotted in the Kosi River is considered a significant indicator of the region’s biodiversity and the robustness of its ecosystem.

Renowned ornithologist Sumanta Ghosh confirmed this sighting recently, stating that the bird seen in the Kosi River is a Pallas’s Gull, which is considered possibly the largest bird of the gull species. He said that this species migrates from Mongolia and Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent during the winter months, and in winter, this bird is seen in some selected water bodies of North India.

Bird expert Ghosh said that Pallas’s Gulls are usually found in places where the water level is relatively high and open water bodies are present. Its presence is more frequently recorded in large reservoirs and rivers like the Ganga Barrage. The water level in the Kosi Barrage is generally low, so its sighting here is considered special.

He said that the appearance of this bird in the Kosi River is a positive sign, indicating that the ecosystem of the Corbett landscape and the Kosi Barrage is still favorable and rich for birds. This observation also proves how important the Kosi River and its surrounding area are for the conservation of migratory and rare birds. The bird expert also clarified that the Pallas’s Gull cannot be called a regular visitor. This bird is not commonly seen in the Corbett landscape, and its presence here is considered quite unusual.

Ghosh said that since the Corbett area and the rivers around it are relatively small, this species, which prefers large water bodies, is rarely seen here. According to Ghosh, the sighting of the Pallas’s gull in this region is not only exciting for birdwatchers, but it also serves as an important indicator for the administration and conservation departments that bird conservation needs to be further strengthened in the Kosi River and Corbett landscape.

Corbett Tiger Reserve Director Dr. Saket Badola expressed his delight, stating that tigresses are being seen with their cubs in almost all of Corbett’s tourism zones. He said that this is not only an indication of the growing tiger population but also shows that the tigresses feel safe in these areas.

In recent days, several videos and sightings have emerged showing sub-adult cubs searching for their mothers or roaming around them. Such sightings during jungle safaris are becoming memorable experiences for tourists. The open presence of tigers with their cubs in the tourism zones is proof that Corbett’s environment, security arrangements, and conservation efforts are moving in the right direction.

According to Dr. Badola, seeing a tigress or her cubs is a unique experience for tourists. It is not just a sight, but a unique “interaction” between humans and the jungle, which becomes a lifelong memory. This is why the number of tourists visiting Corbett is also continuously increasing.

The park administration believes that this activity of tigers and cubs will further strengthen Corbett as a successful model of tiger conservation in the future. It also sends the message that if the forests are safe, then wildlife continues its natural activities without fear.