Vulture population collapsing in India has resulted in thousands of human deaths, Study reveals
A recent study has revealed the severe impact of the collapse of India's vulture population on human health, suggesting that it may have contributed to thousands of deaths. This research, carried out by economists Eyal G. Frank and Anant Sudarshan, highlights how the near-extinction of vultures in India has led to significant increases in human mortality rates.
India's vulture population experienced an unprecedented decline in the mid-1990s, with some species witnessing a drop in numbers by up to 99.9%. This collapse was primarily attributed to the widespread use of diclofenac, a veterinary painkiller found to be toxic to vultures when they consume livestock carcasses treated with the drug.
The Indian vulture, a large bird of prey with a wingspan of 1.96 to 2.38 meters and a body length of about 75 to 85 centimeters, belongs to the family Accipitridae. It features primarily pale plumage with dark flight feathers and a bare, pale head. The bird's neck and head are covered in down, which is sparser compared to other vulture species. It possesses a hooked beak adapted for tearing flesh from carcasses.
These vultures are scavengers, feeding mainly on the carcasses of dead animals, and play a crucial role in the ecosystem by disposing of these remains, which helps prevent the spread of diseases. Indian vultures are primarily found in South Asia, including India, Pakistan, and Nepal, with their range extending to some parts of Southeast Asia. They prefer open landscapes such as savannas, grasslands, and arid regions, typically nesting on cliffs and ruins, often in colonies. The breeding season generally falls between November and March, during which a single egg is laid and incubated by both parents.
Once a common sight across India, with a population possibly exceeding fifty million birds, vultures were essential for maintaining environmental cleanliness. However, the study compared districts with high and low vulture suitability before and after the introduction of veterinary diclofenac in 1994. The findings are alarming: all-cause human death rates increased by more than 4% in vulture-suitable districts following the birds' near-extinction.
Vultures play a crucial role in India's ecosystem by efficiently removing livestock carcasses, which number in the hundreds of millions. Their disappearance led to a sanitation crisis, with rotting carcasses left unattended, potentially spreading diseases and contaminating water sources.
The researchers also found evidence of increased feral dog populations and higher incidence of rabies in affected areas. This surge in dog numbers is likely due to the abundance of carrion previously consumed by vultures, leading to more human-dog interactions and rabies transmission.
The study highlights the often-overlooked importance of vultures in maintaining public health. As efficient scavengers feeding exclusively on carrion, these birds provided a vital sanitation service in a country with over 500 million livestock.
This research highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human well-being. It points to the unforeseen consequences of biodiversity loss and the urgent need for conservation efforts.
The findings have significant implications for biodiversity management and conservation resource allocation. By quantifying the human cost of species loss, the study provides a compelling argument for protecting seemingly less charismatic species that play critical roles in ecosystem functioning.
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Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar sings RSS anthem, stuns Assembly
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is also the Congress state president, took everyone by surprise on Friday when he sang the RSS anthem during a discussion in the state Assembly on the stampede near Chinnaswamy stadium, which claimed the lives of 11 people.
A sudden musical note amazed the House, which heard the first few lines of the RSS Anthem ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhoome’.
Shivakumar’s recital came when the BJP legislators accused Shivakumar of being an ‘abettor’ of the stampede as he created mass frenzy.
They alleged that Shivakumar went to receive the RCB team on their arrival at the Bengaluru airport, waved the Kannada flag throughout the journey from the airport to the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Replying to the accusations, Shivakumar said, "I am a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and people there, including the KSCA secretary, are my friends. I am the Bengaluru In-Charge Minister. I had gone to the Airport and Stadium (on June 4). I also held the Karnataka flag, I did wish them (RCB) and I kissed the cup as well. I have done my job".
He added, "The accident happened. Such things have happened in other states as well. If needed, I will read out the list of incidents that have occurred in other places as well. I, too, have many things to say about you as well".
The Deputy CM also said he grew up with Home Minister G Parameshwara.
To this, Leader of the Opposition BJP R Ashoka reminded Shivakumar that he once said he wore ‘RSS Chaddi’.
Much to the amusement of the House, Shivakumar sang ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhoome......’.
The opposition welcomed the anthem by thumping the table but there was an absolute silence in the Congress camp.
The BJP legislator V Sunil Kumar quipped, saying, "Hope these lines are not removed from the records".
Shivakumar sought to know did the governments ever take responsibility whenever such incidents took place.
"You should feel proud that this government quickly (after the stampede) acted and initiated action against police officers and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru," he said.
