Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Species
Why in News?
A Red-headed Vulture was sighted in the Patalthod forests near Munsiyari, Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand.
- Documented by – Birdwatchers associated with the Munsiyari-based NGO Monal.
- The sighting occurred at an altitude of approximately 2,650 metres.
Ecological Significance
- Scavenger – Primarily feeds on animal carcasses.
- Disease control – Removes carcasses, which may reduce pathogen spread.
- Nutrient recycling – Returns nutrients to the ecosystem through decomposition.
- Food-chain indicator – Presence indicates local habitat and food availability, though a single sighting does not confirm overall ecosystem health.
Major Threats
- Veterinary drugs – Diclofenac poisoning from livestock carcasses is a leading cause of vulture mortality.
- Poisoning – Exposure to contaminated carcasses and intentional poisoning.
- Habitat loss – Ongoing loss and degradation of natural habitats.
- Food scarcity – Declining availability of uncontaminated food sources.
- Other veterinary NSAIDs – Additional drugs may also pose risks to vultures.
Reference
The Tribune | Red-Headed Vulture
