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Kazakh Vulture Dies in Rajasthan, Toxic Drugs Suspected
12 Mar
Summary
- A tagged Cinereous Vulture from Kazakhstan died in Rajasthan.
- Conservationists suspect toxic veterinary drugs caused the vulture's death.
- Nimesulide and other banned drugs remain a threat to vultures in Rajasthan.
A Cinereous Vulture, tracked via satellite tag from Kazakhstan, was found dead in Judiya village, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This juvenile bird had successfully completed two round trips between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent during winter seasons. Conservationists suspect its death was caused by feeding on livestock carcasses treated with banned veterinary painkillers, a recurring threat to vulture populations in South Asia.
Preliminary assessments suggest the bird, identified by its ring as KA5105, died about a week prior and had significantly decomposed. While the satellite tag was not recovered, its identity ring was found. Rajasthan is a crucial wintering ground for many migratory raptors, attracting them with its large carcass dumping sites.
The continued use of toxic veterinary drugs, such as Nimesulide, poses a serious danger. Although the Indian government recently prohibited Nimesulide for livestock, conservationists report its continued availability in Rajasthan. This practice, alongside other banned drugs like Diclofenac, Aceclofenac, and Ketoprofen, significantly impacts the survival of vultures, especially younger birds.
