Guwahati: Vultures are on the verge of extinction in India with nearly 98 per cent of the birds died in the past 16 years due to the use of an anti-inflamatory drug "diclofenac" on livestock, scientists have warned.

"Ninety-nine per cent of the 40 million vultures counted in 1992 have died by 2007 due to the use of diclofenc given to the cattle to relieve pain and inflammation by veterinarians," Director of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) Asad Rehmani told reporters here today.

According to the scientist, the residue of the drug in dead animals which vultures feed on causes kidney failure of the birds. BNHS has conducted nationwide surveys and working to save the birds from extinction.

Of the three affected species, Oriental White-rumped vultures declined by 99.9 per cent, Long-billed and Slender-billed vultures by 96.8 per cent, Rehmani said, adding the population of the Oriental White-rumped was 43.9 per cent between 2000-2007 period.

Survival of vultures who prevent the spread of disese by eating animal carcass is important in the ecosystem. The birds also prevent proliferation of dogs which become ferocious after feeding on dead animals and spread rabies.

On the initiative of BNHS, Centre banned veterinary diclofenec in August 2006 but because of 2-3 year shelf life of the drug, it still continue to be used though a safe alternative "meloxicam" is available in the market.

Besides banning the drug, Rehman said a Conservation Breeding Programme was the only way to save the species from extinction. Three such breeding centres have already opened across the country, including one in Assam.
Source : PTI