The Red-headed Vulture, Sarcogyps calvus, is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Its red head, jet-black body, red folds of skin on its throat and wingspan of over two metres make this vulture a striking creature. Sadly, there are currently less than 10,000 of these vultures in the wid.
The cause for the massive decline in numbers of Red-headed Vultures is the consumption of livestock treated with the veterinary drug diclofenac. The drug causes kidney failure in vultures has been shown to be responsible for the huge declines in populations of vultures of the genus gyps.
Fortunately, the manufacture of diclofenac has been banned in India, Nepal and Pakistan, and its use is being replaced with a drug that is not poisonous to vultures. As it may be a while before diclofenac is completely removed, captive breeding programmes will ensure the survival of this critically endangered vulture.
Great blog Isha
ReplyDeleteI'd never thought of drugs being passed up the food chain like that! Was the manufacture of diclofenac in India, Nepal and Pakistan because of conservation? Are livestock treated with another anti-inflammatory drug now; different drugs in the same drug family can also cause kidney failure..
Regards
Andy Smith
Hmm interesting points. I don't know Andy. Thanks for commenting and reading though :)
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