Vultures endangered in Tamil Nadu

The disappearance of vultures has made Arulagam, a research organization working in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, raise its voice for the natural scavenger, demanding for the protection and conservation of the species.

Recetly, Arulagam conducted a workshop in Tiruchi to raise awareness among livestock inspectors and retired veterinary professionals for the cause of the vultures, seeking their cooperation in their initiative to conserve vultures.

The Coimbatore-based organization undertook a research project to analyse the absence of the species. Vultures, which feed on the carcasses, also assure that the bodies of dead animals on the road are disposed of, naturally. The absence of vultures raises the risk of these carcasses rotting on the roads and in farms when not attended to, posing serious health threats.

The researchers also found that Diclofenac injected into cattle was the main reason for the disappearance of vultures. Diclofenac residue affects the kidneys of vultures, eventually leading to their death. Consequently, the Drug Controller of India banned the drug for cattle in 2006, but it is still administer to cattle, reports the secretary of Arulgam, S Bharathidasan.

Arulagam has launched various initiatives for creating awareness among all sections of people on the need for the conservation of the species. They have received active support from the Forest Department and Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).

Mr Bharathidasan also reported that vultures, which are found across the state of Tamil Nadu, are not present in Mudumalai. He appealed to veterinarians to shun Diclofenac and Ketoprofen, encouraging them to use Meloxicam, an alternative drug. Even a small percentage of the residual of Diclofenac was enough to kill vultures, he remarked.