According to a recent study, half a million humans may have died prematurely from 2000 to 2005 due to functional extinction of vultures in India.
Findings of Study
- Keystone Species: Clean up disease-ridden carcasses; also reduce populations of other scavengers’ e.g. feral dogs & Pathogens.
- Human Health Crisis: Declined vulture population increased human mortality by over 4% because of negative shock to sanitation (Increased Pathogens).
- Economic Costs: Nearly $70 billion is annual monetary damage from this public health crisis.
Vultures in India
- Large carrion-eating birds found mainly in tropics and subtropics.
- 9 species of vultures are found in India. Out of them, 3 species are migratory (Cinereous vulture, Griffon vulture and Himalayan vulture).
- Conservation status: Protected under Schedule (1) of Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
- Threats: Loss of natural habitats due to anthropogenic activities, Food scarcity, Exposure to drug diclofenac, Electrocution etc.
Vulture Conservation Initiatives
- Ban on Veterinary use of Diclofenac (2006), Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac (2023).
- Action Plan for Vulture Conservation in India 2020-25.
- Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore, Haryana.
- Vulture restaurants in Koderma, Raigad etc.
