White-rumped vulture
Prelims:
Environment & Ecology, Biodiversity & Conservation
Mains:
GS Paper III-Environment
Current relevance:
A captive-bred, radio-tagged White-rumped Vulture released
in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) was electrocuted after
coming into contact with a power line.
Highlights:
1.
White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
1.
It is a World large scavenger vulture native
to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
2.
It inhabits open forests, grasslands, agricultural
landscapes, and areas near human settlements, where livestock carcasses are
available.
3.
Critically Endangered on the IUCN
Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972.
2.
Threats to the Species:
1.
Electrocution: Overhead power transmission lines
pose a major threat, often causing fatal electrocution.
2.
Habitat Degradation: Loss and
fragmentation of natural habitats reduce nesting and foraging opportunities.
3.
Poisoning: Consumption of carcasses contaminated
with veterinary drugs, particularly diclofenac, has led to severe
population declines.
4.
Human-induced Disturbances: Urbanisation,
infrastructure development, and other human activities disrupt breeding and
feeding habitats.
3.
Conservation Measures:
1.
Install bird diverters on power
transmission lines to minimise bird collisions and electrocution.
2.
Insulate or adopt bunch-cabling for power lines
passing through vulture habitats to reduce electrocution risks.
3.
Strengthen monitoring of reintroduced
vultures through radio telemetry to track their movement, survival, and
adaptation.
4.
Develop suitable habitats before future
reintroduction programmes to improve adaptation and survival rates.
Source: THE HINDU
- https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-hindu-international-9bn2/20260630/281496463012162