Vultures and its Ecological Importance

Vultures are the bird of prey which appeared on earth 40-50 million years ago. They scavenge mostly on the carcasses of dead animals. There are altogether 23 species of vultures survive in this earth and are further divided into two groups which are: New World Vultures (7 species) and Old-World Vultures (16 species). New World vulture species are found across the Americas and Caribbean whereas Old World vulture species in Africa, Asia and Europe.

Almost about half of the vulture species are being considered at high risk of extinction because of extensive anthropogenic activities. The substantial use of anti-inflammatory veterinary drug called diclofenac that are used in the treatments of cattle was considered as the prime cause behind the rapid declination of vultures across many countries like India and Nepal. The particular drugs affect the kidney of vultures when feed such drug used cattle carcasses which lead them to their death. Today, the use of diclofenac was completely banned in almost all the countries. Besides diclofenac, habitat fragmentation, poisoned from poached animal carcasses, electrocution and agricultural poisoning are also the significant threats to the survival of vultures.

Vultures carry the crucial ecological, social and cultural significance. Vultures have the important role for the heathy functioning of the ecosystem as they scavenge on animal carrion which helps to keep the environment, water resources and other natural resources clean as well as healthy. In many cases, vultures aid to keep the ecosystem free of contagious diseases.

Nowadays, just like the other charismatic wild species, vultures are also receiving praiseworthy conservation attention and spotlight. Many conservation organizations and like-minded departments around the globe are working effectively to improve their conservation status and restore its viable population in the wild.

References:

Why are vultures important? Vulture Conservation Foundation. Available at: https://www.4vultures.org/why-are-vultures-important/

Proceedings of the Regional Symposium on Vulture Conservation in Asia, 30 May 2016, Karachi Pakistan.

Vultures on verge of extinction in Nepal, Feb 22, 2017. The Himalayan Times. Available at: https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/vultures-verge-extinction-nepal

12 amazing facts about vultures. Discover Wildlife. Available at: https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/facts-about-vultures/

 Photo from: Pikist