Veterinary drug Diclofenac responsible for vulture decline

Veterinary drug Diclofenac is responsible for the steep decline in the number of vultures, The Society for Conservation of Nature said.

The Society for Conservation of Nature celebrated International Vulture Awareness Day on Saturday, and its activities met school and college in Dibhauli town of Etawah district to create awareness about importance of vultures. They also screened a documentary on vultures was screened to highlight the need of vulture conservation.

The number of vultures has been declining sharply since the year of 1990, and environmentalists and zoologists have been blaming the illegal use of veterinary analgesic Diclofenac for the decline in the number of vultures.

A member of the Society called vultures "scavengers," and said these birds ensure cleanliness in the surroundings by disposing off the carcass of animals without causing any harm to anyone.

Speaking on the topic, the member said, "They keep the food chain balanced in the habitats. Their decline is blamed on Diclofenac, a veterinary drug to treat livestock."

It may be noted here that the use of Diclofenac has already been banned by the government.

International Vulture Awareness day is observed on first Saturday of September every year.