Vulture electrocution cut by moving carcass dump in Dehradun
Why in the news
An older study resurfaced showing that shifting a carcass dump away from power infrastructure may protect vultures from electrocution.
Key facts
- Study site: Sudhauwala, Dehradun (Uttarakhand); published in Journal of Threatened Taxa; dump shifted 2.4 km away from high-tension infrastructure.
- Birds involved: Himalayan griffon, Eurasian griffon and cinereous vulture.
- Wider threats: poisoning, NSAIDs used in veterinary care, scarce food and habitat loss.
- Diclofenac was banned for veterinary use in 2006; meloxicam is the safe alternative.
- Wildlife Institute of India is based in Dehradun.
Indian vulture species
- Nine are listed. IUCN Critically Endangered: White-rumped, Indian (long-billed), Slender-billed, Red-headed.
- Rest: Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous, Himalayan griffon, Eurasian griffon.
Exam angle
- Conservation: breeding centres at Pinjore, Rajabhatkhawa and Rani, plus the 2020-25 Action Plan for Vulture Conservation.
- Likely question: which drug replaces diclofenac safely? Answer: meloxicam.