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India's Vultures Vanish: Urgent Conservation Needed
7 Sep
Summary
- Vultures have disappeared from 72% of India's historical nesting sites.
- Diclofenac drug use in livestock was a major cause of vulture decline.
- Conservation efforts include breeding centers and safe carcass practices.
Vulture populations have critically declined across India, disappearing from approximately 72% of their historical nesting sites. This alarming trend, largely attributed to the veterinary use of diclofenac in livestock, has prompted a call for urgent conservation measures. Vultures, essential scavengers that maintain ecosystem health by consuming carcasses, have suffered immensely from feeding on livestock treated with this anti-inflammatory drug, leading to kidney failure and death.
Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav recently highlighted the crisis during an event, advocating for vulture-safe veterinary practices and the establishment of protected Vulture Safe Zones. He urged veterinary professionals, livestock owners, and communities to support safe carcass-management initiatives. India is home to nine vulture species, found across various regions.
A recent assessment revealed a significant drop in active nesting sites, though researchers also identified new locations, some within protected areas. Conservation breeding centers in Pinjore, West Bengal, and Assam are actively working on species recovery. The Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore has housed hundreds of vultures, successfully bred chicks, and contributed to reintroduction efforts, also providing training to professionals.
