A recent study revealed that the functional decline of Indian vultures in India between 2000 and 2005 may have caused half a million premature human deaths.
Key Findings of Study:
- Keystone Species: Vultures play a critical role in cleaning up disease-ridden carcasses, which also reduces populations of other scavengers, such as feral dogs, and the spread of pathogens.
- Human Health Crisis: The drastic decline in vulture populations increased human mortality by over 4%, due to the negative impact on sanitation, leading to an increase in pathogens.
- Economic Costs: The public health crisis due to the decline in vultures has an estimated annual monetary damage of nearly $70 billion.
Vultures in India:
- Species: India is home to nine species of vultures, with three being migratory (Cinereous vulture, Griffon vulture, and Himalayan vulture).
- Conservation Status: Vultures are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
- Threats: The primary threats include habitat loss due to human activities, food scarcity, exposure to the drug diclofenac, and electrocution.
Vulture Conservation Initiatives:
- Drug Bans: Diclofenac was banned for veterinary use in 2006, followed by bans on Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac in 2023.
- Action Plan: The Action Plan for Vulture Conservation in India (2020-2025) outlines strategies for vulture protection.
- Breeding Centres: The Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore, Haryana, is a key facility for breeding and conserving vultures.
- Vulture Restaurants: These are special feeding sites, like those in Koderma and Raigad, where safe food is provided to vultures to help sustain their populations.
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Frequently Asked Question:
How did the decline of Indian vultures affect human health?
The decline led to a 4% increase in human mortality due to the rise in pathogens from uncleaned carcasses.
What are the economic impacts of the vulture population decline in India?
The public health crisis caused by the decline resulted in nearly $70 billion in annual monetary damage.
Which vulture species are found in India?
India hosts nine species of vultures, including three migratory ones: Cinereous vulture, Griffon vulture, and Himalayan vulture.
Why are vultures considered keystone species?
Vultures play a vital role in ecosystems by cleaning up carcasses, reducing disease spread and maintaining environmental health.