Of Vultures and Men

Vol.2,No.1(2011)

Abstract
The article deals with massive mortality in three vulture species (Gyps bengalensis, Gyps indicus, Gyps tenuirostris) on the South Asian subcontinent, which started in the nineties of the last century. Accidental exposure of scavengers to diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), via their food chain is considered to be a scientifically proven reason for the decline of vulture population in India, Pakistan and Nepal. The mechanism of diclofenac toxicity is explained and the sources of diclofenac in vulture food resources are discussed. Special attention is paid to the explanation of possible consequences of vulture extinction as increase in abundance of dog population, increased number of rabies cases in man, effect on the burial customs of Parsi community.

Keywords:
vulture; extinction; diclofenac; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID); visceral gout; rabies; Parsi community
References

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