Assam: 30 vultures, including critically endangered species, killed in suspected poisoning

Sivasagar: In a disturbing incident, forest officials recovered the bodies of 30 vultures in the Boliaghat Baghorchuk area in Assam’s Sivasagar district.

Among the dead were two critically endangered white-backed vultures, a species facing extinction according to the IUCN. The remaining 28 birds were Himalayan Griffons.

Forest officials suspect poisoning as the cause of death, as locals reported finding the remains of goats near the vulture carcasses.

It is believed that the vultures died after consuming goat meat laced with poison, meant to kill dogs that had been attacking cattle and goats in the area.

This is not the first instance of vulture deaths in the region. Similar incidents were reported in January , 2023, where vultures died after consuming poisoned cattle meat at Naojan field in Sivasagar.

The decline of vulture populations in India is a well-documented issue. A survey conducted in the early 2000s revealed a drastic decline in vulture numbers, attributed to the use of Diclofenac, a veterinary medicine that is toxic to vultures.

Conservationists have expressed concern over the latest incident and called for stricter enforcement of regulations on the use of Diclofenac.

They have also emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns to educate people about the importance of vultures and the dangers of poisoning.