Vulture Numbers Decline in Southern India Despite Diclofenac Ban
The vulture population in southern India faces a crisis due to the illegal use of diclofenac, despite government bans.
Southern India's forests, spanning Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, are witnessing a quiet crisis threatening vultures, nature's vital scavengers. A 2025 survey across these states counted 390 vultures, up from 320 in the previous year but far below historical levels. Tamil Nadu alone had 157 vultures, including critically endangered species like the white-rumped and long-billed vultures. The Egyptian vulture, listed as endangered, was also spotted. The primary cause of this decline is diclofenac, a cattle drug leading to vulture deaths through kidney failure. Banned in 2006, its illegal use persists, especially in rural areas where untrained individuals administer the drug, unaware of its lethal effects on vultures. Conservation efforts include promoting ethical veterinary practices, awareness campaigns, and safe carcass disposal. Without intervention, vulture loss disrupts ecosystems, increasing carcass disposal costs and health risks. Their conservation is crucial for maintaining ecological balance.