Why are the numbers of the Indian vulture declining?


          Not many of us find vultures attractive or friendly. Rather, they look a little threatening. But these birds, we should know, play a very important role in the food chain- they feed on animal carcasses, and prevent the spread of deadly bacteria and fungus into the ground and water.



          Sadly, the population of the vulture species is falling at an alarming rate. One of the birds that is facing the risk of extinction is the Indian vulture. It is a wild bird, native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal.



           Like others, Indian vultures too, feed on dead bodies. They can be spotted in cities, towns, and villages near cultivated and open areas, and in woodlands too.



          As per the IUCN Red List, Indian vultures are critically endangered, with a population of around 30,000. A serious decline in their numbers happened in the 1990s, when they lost around 95 per cent of the individuals.



          This unnatural death toll was caused by the presence of diclofenac, a drug used to treat livestock.



Picture credit: google