TAK – A juvenile Himalayan Griffon Vulture (Himalayan Griffon Vulture) was found after it ran out of strength during its winter migration. The bird reportedly swept down to perch on a teak tree, then fell to the ground behind a resident’s home in Wang Chao District, Tak. The species is classed as rare, with an estimated global population of about 66,000.
Boonluea Funfuea, 58, who lives at 126, Moo 14, Chiang Thong Subdistrict, Wang Chao District, Tak, said he spotted the bird last weekend. It was huge, with wide wings, and its wingbeats were loud. He also noticed crows flying after it. The bird then dropped to a teak tree behind his house and stayed still for quite some time. Curious, he walked closer and realised it was a vulture.
Not long after, the vulture slipped from the tree and lay on the ground. It stayed motionless for a while before slowly getting back on its feet. Boonluea kept his dogs away to stop them from attacking the bird.
He then contacted Nopparat Manat, a Wang Chao Municipal Councillor (known locally as “Sor. Tor. O”) and a well-known volunteer in the area. After coordinating with relevant agencies and specialists, they confirmed the bird was a Himalayan Griffon Vulture, a protected wild animal in Thailand. Its conservation status is near-threatened.
Officials believe the bird, still young, had migrated to escape winter conditions. It likely travelled from western China or the Tibetan Plateau and was heading through Thailand towards the island areas in Indonesia. This may have been its first migration, and it appears to have become exhausted mid-journey, leading to the fall.
Nopparat coordinated with the appropriate offices and assigned Kamonthep Unmueang, a disaster prevention and mitigation officer at Wang Chao Municipality, to lead a team with equipment to safely capture the bird.
The vulture was then transferred to forestry staff from the wildlife conservation section under Protected Area Management Office 14 (Tak), based in Pa Mamuang Subdistrict, Mueang Tak District, for treatment and recovery.
Third “fallen Himalayan Griffon Vulture” Case Reported
Authorities say this Wang Chao case is the third report in a few months:
- Lopburi (Case 1): A juvenile Himalayan Griffon Vulture was found in Huai Hin Subdistrict, Chai Badan District, in late December 2025. Department of National Parks staff monitored it and provided food until it recovered and flew back to the wild on 26 December 2025.
- Satun (Case 2): A juvenile Himalayan Griffon Vulture was reported after dropping down in Satun Province in early January 2026. Officials rushed it to receive care and rehabilitation at the raptor rehabilitation unit at Kasetsart University (Kamphaeng Saen).
Why Himalayan vultures drop during migration
Each winter, roughly from November to March, Himalayan Griffon Vultures (and in some years Himalayan Black Vultures) can be seen entering or passing through Thailand, often around 10 to 30 birds.
They tend to ride cold winds south into ASEAN countries, including Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia, and can reach as far as Singapore. Some birds weaken and fall in Malaysia and on Sumatra in Indonesia.
Many follow the cold air currents along the Tenasserim mountain range. A smaller number take routes towards the North East and are often seen in the eastern region.
When they can’t find enough carrion to feed on, and when cold winds weaken, these heavy birds struggle to stay aloft. They can weigh about 6 to 12 kilograms. Without wind support and with little food, they may become too tired to continue and drop to the ground.
This is often reported in southern Thailand, where cold winds may fade as they meet humid monsoon air.
What to do if you find an exhausted vulture in Thailand
Because vultures are rare, protected wildlife under Thailand’s Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019), anyone who finds an injured, lost, or exhausted vulture should contact the hotline 1362. Officials can collect the bird and take it to a nearby wildlife breeding station for care.
Birds needing serious treatment or surgery may be sent to the raptor rehabilitation unit at Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, for rehabilitation and flight training, before release during the northbound migration period in April.
Release sites may include migration routes in western and northern Thailand, such as Mae Wong National Park (Kamphaeng Phet) and Pha Hom Pok National Park (Chiang Mai).
If you come across a “fallen vulture” that is too weak to lift its head and can’t resist or move away, guidance shared in the report advises giving warm saline water (clean water 1,000 ml plus table salt 9 grams), 50 to 100 ml per feed, every 3 to 6 hours.
Do not feed it any food at first. After 1 to 2 days, once the bird can lift its head, it may be given small pieces of fresh pork or chicken (it doesn’t need to be rotten).
Never force-feed meat, liquids, or any other substances, especially oils, if the bird won’t eat on its own. It may aspirate food into its lungs and die.
Once the vulture has more strength and can hold its head up, move it to a vet or contact the Department of National Parks hotline 1362 so officers can arrange transfer for treatment, with no charge.
