Vulture Crisis: 72% of Historical Nesting Sites Abandoned in India
A recent assessment by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has revealed a sharp decline in vulture populations across the country, with the birds disappearing from nearly 72% of their historical nesting sites. The study, which covered multiple states, highlights how habitat loss, food scarcity, and the continued use of harmful veterinary drugs like diclofenac have devastated vulture numbers. Once a vital part of India’s ecosystem for waste management and carcass disposal, vultures now face critical threats that jeopardize their survival. Researchers stress the need for stricter bans on toxic drugs, better monitoring, and the establishment of safe zones to encourage population recovery. The findings underscore the urgency for conservation actions to protect these essential scavengers and restore ecological balance across India’s landscapes.
The Key points
- WII reports vultures gone from 72% of past nesting sites.
- Decline observed across multiple Indian states.
- Major cause: veterinary drug diclofenac poisoning.
- Habitat destruction reduces safe nesting areas.
- Food scarcity adds pressure on vulture survival.
- Vultures are key to ecosystem waste management.
- Researchers call for stronger drug control enforcement.
- Creation of vulture safe zones recommended.
- Conservation awareness among locals is crucial.
- Urgent national effort needed to prevent extinction.
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