New Delhi, Aug 2 (IANS): As environmentalists raise concern over the near extinction of some species of vultures, Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh Monday assured a comeback of the bird, known for its scavenging qualities, soon as a result of a successful breeding programme.

"The breeding programme has been successful, soon we will see the come back of the vulture," Ramesh said, replying supplementary questions in the Rajya Sabha.

As many as three species of vultures in India are endangered because of the use of painkiller diclofenac in cattle on whose carcass these birds feed.

Long-billed, slender-billed and oriental white-backed species of vultures have died in South Asia over the past several years after eating cattle carcasses laced with medicines which is given to sick animals.

Scientists announced the successful breeding of the long-billed vulture in captivity for the first time in June this year. The other two species have been bred earlier.