Home / Environment / Vulture Deaths Solved: Toxic Pesticide Blamed
Vulture Deaths Solved: Toxic Pesticide Blamed
16 May
Summary
- Pesticide carbofuran identified as cause of 25 vulture deaths.
- Vultures likely died from secondary poisoning after eating dogs.
- Authorities to launch awareness programs about pesticide dangers.
A mass death of 25 vultures in the Dudhwa buffer zone on April 7 has been attributed to the pesticide carbofuran. Experts from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly analyzed samples and confirmed the presence of this highly toxic substance.
Initial investigations suggest the vultures died after consuming carcasses of stray dogs. These dogs are believed to have died from eating poisoned rice found at the scene. This secondary poisoning highlights the severe risks associated with carbofuran's use.
Forest authorities are perturbed by the incident, especially as vultures are an endangered species. An awareness program will be conducted for villagers about the detrimental impacts of such potent pesticides on wildlife and human health.
Carbofuran, commonly known as Furadan, is a powerful insecticide whose use is restricted in many countries and in India, with only specific formulations permitted since 2023.
