In a troubling incident, 30 vultures were found dead in the Boliaghat Baghorchuk area of Assam’s Sivasagar district. Among them were two critically endangered white-backed vultures, a species on the brink of extinction according to the IUCN.
30 Vultures Found Dead in Assam, Suspected Poisoning Raises Conservation Concerns
The other 28 birds were Himalayan Griffons. Forest officials suspect poisoning as the cause, as locals discovered goat remains near the dead vultures. It’s believed the vultures consumed poisoned goat meat intended to kill dogs that had been attacking local livestock.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the region. In January 2023, vultures died after eating poisoned cattle meat in Naojan field, also in Sivasagar. The decline of vulture populations in India has been a concern for years. A survey from the early 2000s showed a significant drop in vulture numbers due to the use of Diclofenac, a veterinary drug toxic to vultures.
Conservationists are alarmed by this latest incident and are calling for stricter enforcement of regulations on Diclofenac use. They emphasize the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate people about the crucial role vultures play in the ecosystem and the dangers of using poison intended for other animals.
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