Source: The Hindu
Context: A decade-old study published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa suggests that relocating a livestock carcass dump 2.4 km away from high-tension power infrastructure near Dehradun, Uttarakhand, may have saved vultures from electrocution.
The Threats Vultures Face
- Poisoning
- Veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Food scarcity
- Habitat loss
Important Facts for Exams
- Study published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa; conducted at Sudhauwala, Dehradun
- Species affected: Himalayan griffon, Eurasian griffon, cinereous vulture
- Wildlife Institute of India is based at Dehradun
- Diclofenac was banned for veterinary use in 2006; meloxicam is the safe substitute
- Indian vulture species: White-rumped, Indian (long-billed), Slender-billed, Red-headed, Egyptian, Himalayan griffon, Eurasian griffon, Cinereous, Bearded
- White-rumped, Indian, Slender-billed and Red-headed vultures are Critically Endangered (IUCN)
- Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-25; Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres at Pinjore, Rajabhatkhawa and Rani
