UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Vulture Decline Diclofenac

Analysis

The major reason for the sharp decline of vultures in India was poisoning caused by Diclofenac.

Diclofenac was used as a veterinary drug to treat pain and inflammation in cattle.

1. A drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle — Correct

Diclofenac was used to treat diseased cattle.

When treated cattle died, vultures fed on their carcasses and consumed the drug residues.

Diclofenac causes kidney failure and visceral gout in vultures, leading to death within a short time.

2. Scarcity of food available to them — Incorrect

Food scarcity was not the main reason for the sudden decline of vultures.

Livestock carcasses were available, but many carcasses contained toxic Diclofenac residues.

The issue was toxicity of food, not shortage of food.

3. A widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them — Incorrect

A disease was initially suspected, but scientific studies identified Diclofenac poisoning as the major cause.

The decline was due to pharmaceutical poisoning, not an infectious disease.

4. Non-availability of nesting sites — Incorrect

Loss of nesting sites can affect bird populations generally, but it was not the main cause of the rapid vulture crash in India.

The sudden decline was linked mainly to Diclofenac-contaminated carcasses.