Despite nesting decline, Wayanad’s vultures still soar
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims·
Why in news
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary reported stable vulture populations despite declining breeding rates, attributed to healthy ecosystems and the absence of toxic drugs like diclofenac.
Background
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the only location in Kerala where vultures are found. The sanctuary's abundant grasslands (vayal) and healthy ecosystem are cited as primary reasons for population stability.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentWayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: The only location in Kerala where vultures are found.
- FactDiclofenac: A toxic drug identified as a factor in vulture population maintenance in protected areas.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the ecological significance of vultures in maintaining ecosystem health and evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical pollutants on avian biodiversity in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Toxicological impact: Persistence of diclofenac in the food chain affecting scavenger survival
- Habitat fragmentation: Loss of nesting sites due to human activity and invasive species
- Ecosystem services: Role of vultures in carcass decomposition and disease control
Keywords: Biodiversity conservation · Ecosystem services · Toxicology · Habitat degradation · Avian population dynamics
More Science & Technology notes
- MAHE establishes Q-Hub to advance India’s indigenous quantum hardware ecosystem · 5 March 2026
- IISc and Pratiksha Trust launch moonshot project on brain co-processors · 4 March 2026
- China team’s space laser breakthrough takes communication speeds to high orbit · 4 March 2026
- Researchers in Kerala try out land-based nurseries for coral conservation · 4 March 2026
- Centre sanctions ₹3,942 crore to boost digital connectivity in Chhattisgarh: CM Vishnu Deo Sai · 4 March 2026
- In Assam paper is made from water hyacinth to clear lakes · 4 March 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.