The collapse of vulture populations in South Asia

Abstract

The catastrophic crash in Gyps vulture populations in South Asia has been caused by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac which results in renal failure. Sufficient diclofenac residues to cause death can be consumed by vultures feeding on a recently treated livestock carcass. Survival of at least three Gyps species depends on removing diclofenac from the vultures' primary food source, dead domestic livestock, by controlling its veterinary use. Survival of one or more of these species also depends on species restoration, most effectively achieved through captive breeding and release. Efforts on both fronts are in progress, but time available for remedial action is short and the probability of success will be greatly improved by the immediate collection of vultures for safe-keeping.