UPSC Prelims PYQ 2012: reasons for vulture decline in India

Vultures, which used to be very common in the Indian countryside some years ago, are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to:

1. the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species
2. a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle
3. scarcity of food available to them
4. a widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• The drastic decline in vulture populations in India is primarily due to the use of Diclofenac. It is a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID – works like steroids, but without as many side effects) administered to livestock and is used to treat the symptoms of inflammation, fevers and/or pain associated with disease or wounds. It leads to renal failure in vultures, damaging their excretory system (direct inhibition of uric acid secretion in vultures).

Answer: (b) a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle; Difficulty Level: Easy