In a significant boost for urban wildlife conservation, a rare Egyptian vulture was recently observed soaring over Mahatma Tekdi in Pune's Kothrud area. This marks the first official recording of this endangered bird of prey on this particular hill, adding to the city's growing list of raptor species.
A Landmark Sighting for Pune's Hills
The important discovery was made by wildlife biologist Arnav Gandhe along with birder and photographer Rohit Khare. The Egyptian vulture is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This sighting significantly strengthens the ecological profile of Mahatma Tekdi, affirming its status as a vital urban biodiversity hotspot. Gandhe explained that the hill has seen a remarkable surge in raptor activity this season.
Recent sightings include the Eurasian hobby, Amur falcon, steppe eagle, Eurasian sparrowhawk, and Montagu's harrier. Despite its modest size and location within the urban sprawl of Kothrud, Mahatma Tekdi supports an impressively rich avian diversity. To date, more than 170 bird species, encompassing both resident and migratory birds, have been documented here.
An Underrated Urban Sanctuary
Gandhe emphasized that Pune's hills, including Mahatma Tekdi, function as natural islands of biodiversity amidst rapid urbanization. He noted that these ecosystems remain underrated from a conservation perspective, even though their potential rivals that of more famous landscapes elsewhere in India. The sighting of the Egyptian vulture provides crucial data for conservation efforts.
India is home to eight vulture species, many of which have suffered catastrophic population declines in recent decades. The Indian vulture, white-rumped vulture, and red-headed vulture are listed as Critically Endangered. Therefore, every confirmed sighting of a species like the Egyptian vulture offers valuable insights into its current distribution and population status, aiding in targeted protection strategies.
Connecting the Dots in Pune's Hill Chain
This is not an isolated incident for the region. Egyptian vultures were also reported from the nearby Vetal Tekdi in November 2025 and in 2024. This pattern suggests that Pune's interconnected hill chain is becoming an increasingly important habitat for this endangered species. The repeated appearances indicate these green corridors within the city may serve as key refuges or transit points for the vultures.
The presence of such a rare migrant underscores the immense ecological value of preserving Pune's remaining natural hills. It serves as a powerful reminder that even urban landscapes can play a critical role in national and global conservation efforts for threatened wildlife.
