New Delhi
According to the latest update on vulture population trends in India, the severely depleted resident vulture species have at least stabilized at their new low levels. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) conducted extensive road transects for the eighth time since 1992, covering 17,000 km across 13 states. This provided the longest-term and most comprehensive information on vulture population changes in India. The surveys, conducted at the end of the breeding season, revealed that the declines in vulture populations have halted, indicating stabilization at these diminished levels.
However, the report highlights a contrast in Nepal, where effective measures against the threat of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) have led to a consistent and significant increase in both resident species of Gyps vultures since around 2012.
The ban on the veterinary use of the NSAID diclofenac in 2006 in India appears to have been partially effective, with some signs of stabilization. Yet, populations remain at critically low levels, with declines reaching 97.9% for long-billed vultures and 99.8% for white-rumped vultures since 1992. The ban was crucial in averting the imminent threat of extinction, but further efforts are needed to support the recovery of vulture populations.
While the surveys indicate a somewhat positive trend, challenges persist due to the continued availability of toxic NSAIDs in veterinary pharmacies. The banning of aceclofenac and ketoprofen is seen as a positive step, although it will take time to see its full effect in curbing the threat to vultures in India.
