How One Drug Wiped Out 99% Of India's Vultures In Less Than 20 Years
Translation Desk
Last Updated: May 28, 2025, 16:21 IST
Ingesting traces of Diclofenac caused acute kidney failure in vultures, but despite its ban in India in 2006, illegal use persists. (News18)
Once a common sight circling above carcasses, vultures have all but vanished from India's skies. Research by the University of Chicago revealed that between 1990 and 2007, 99% of the vulture population in India perished.
This collapse has had dire consequences: in the absence of these natural scavengers, infections from decaying animal carcasses have spread, reportedly contributing to five lakh human deaths. The Diclofenac Disaster
The principal culprit behind this ecological tragedy is the veterinary drug Diclofenac, commonly used in the 1990s to treat livestock. Though effective, Diclofenac residues in cattle carcasses proved lethal to vultures.
Ingesting even trace amounts caused acute kidney failure in the birds. Despite India banning the drug in 2006, its illegal use still persists. Alarming Decline Rates
India was once home to an estimated 40 to 50 million vultures. By 2007, that number had dropped catastrophically. Populations of: White-rumped vultures (Gyps bengalensis) declined by 99.9%
declined by 99.9% Indian vultures (Gyps indicus) by 95%
by 95% Slender-billed vultures (Gyps tenuirostris) by 97%
This marks one of the fastest recorded declines of any bird species in history. WWF India Poster Threats Beyond Diclofenac
Even after the ban, vulture populations have not rebounded. Vultures breed slowly, laying just one egg annually, and face numerous other threats including: Electrocution from power lines
Collisions with wind turbines
Injuries from kite strings
Their absence has triggered a rise in feral dog and crow populations, increasing the risk of rabies and other zoonotic diseases. Cultural And Economic Fallout
Swipe Left For Next Video View all
The decline also impacts cultural practices. The Parsi community, which conducts sky burials dependent on vulture scavenging, has had to alter funeral rites. The economic toll is staggering too. Between 2000 and 2005, losses due to vulture extinction were estimated at $69.4 billion annually, affecting industries like leather production.
Since 2016, India has undertaken conservation efforts, including the reintroduction of protected vulture species into the wild. However, experts stress that community engagement and stringent enforcement of Diclofenac bans are critical for reversing this crisis. News lifestyle How One Drug Wiped Out 99% Of India's Vultures In Less Than 20 Years
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
42 minutes ago
- News18
Why Was Madame Curie Buried Twice Radioactivity Chernobyl On France Seine
Last Updated: Marie Curie's pioneering research on radioactive elements led to lasting dangers, including her remains and belongings still being radioactive today. Marie Curie is remembered as one of the greatest scientists in history, but her legacy comes with a hidden danger. She discovered two radioactive elements, polonium and radium, that brought her fame but also caused serious health risks. Curie died in 1937 from aplastic anaemia, a rare disease caused by radiation exposure, which she and her husband Pierre had little idea was harmful at the time. They worked closely with these elements without any protective gear, even carrying bottles of polonium and radium in their pockets. Back then, radiation was believed to have health benefits. Radium was added to bath salts to treat insomnia and sold in 'energy drinks" without warnings. Today, many of Marie Curie's items, including her scientific papers, are kept at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris. Visitors can see the Pierre and Marie Curie Collection, but only after signing a liability waiver. Handling these items requires protective clothing because they remain radioactive and are stored in lead-lined boxes that will stay dangerous for about 1,500 years. Why Was Marie Curie Buried Twice? Marie and Pierre Curie were originally buried at the Sceaux cemetery in Paris. However, in 1995, their remains were moved to the Panthéon, a prestigious burial site for notable French figures. Even then, their bodies were placed in lead coffins to contain the dangerous radium-226 they had been exposed to. Radium-226 is the most stable isotope of radium, meaning it remains hazardous and will continue to be so for hundreds of years, making their graves a lasting radioactive risk. The Legacy of Radioactivity in Paris Marie Curie's old research laboratory, located in Arcueil, a suburb south of Paris, has become a major concern. Although the lab closed in 1978, it still contains dangerous levels of radioactivity and has earned the nickname 'Chernobyl on the Seine." The site is heavily secured with barbed wire and surveillance cameras. Local officials regularly monitor the nearby river to check for contamination. Efforts to clean up the area began in 1992 and have cost around 10 million euros, but the work is ongoing. Marie Curie's story is a reminder that even groundbreaking scientific achievements can carry unforeseen risks. A viral Instagram video shared on May 11 highlighted this legacy, receiving over 44,000 likes and many comments. One user called her the 'greatest female chemist of all time," while others appreciated the informative nature of the story, showing that Curie's impact is still very much alive, sometimes in unexpected ways. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
CAR T-Cell Therapy shows long-term success in blood cancer
BENGALURU: In a major milestone in Indian oncology care, Immuneel Therapeutics' Made-In-India CAR T-cell therapy claims it has delivered the country's first known long-term remission in patients with aggressive blood cancers. Data from the IMAGINE Phase 2 clinical trial shows seven patients treated in 2022 for relapsed or refractory CD19-positive B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma have remained progression-free for over two years. This type of cancer is aggressive and often does not respond to standard treatment options. The therapy, called Varnimcabtagene autoleucel (IMN-003A), recorded a response rate of 83 per cent at 90 days and 50 per cent at one year. A complete response was seen in 83 per cent of patients. Trial results showed no cases of severe neurotoxicity or the need for intensive care admission. The trial was conducted at Narayana Health–Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre in Bengaluru, Apollo Cancer Centre in Chennai, and the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Board Director and Co-Founder, Immuneel Therapeutics, said, ' The fact that we now have long-term survivors treated with a Made-in-India CAR T therapy is a testament to the real, life-changing impact innovation can have on patients and their families. It reaffirms that innovation rooted in local context can deliver globally benchmarked outcomes.'
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Skip 10K Steps: How Japanese Interval Walking Delivers More In Just 30 Minutes
Last Updated: The Japanese Interval Walking technique has gained popularity on social media. This method is suited to those who want the benefits of running but prefer a lower-impact routine. For years, the magic number for fitness has been 10,000 steps a day. But a Japanese walking method, recently revived on social media, is proving that you can get better results in far less time. Known as the Japanese interval walking, it alternates between three minutes of brisk walking and three minutes of slower recovery walking, repeated for a total of 30 minutes. How The Japanese Interval Walking Works The concept is simple but surprisingly effective: the brisk intervals should be fast enough to leave you slightly breathless and unable to speak in full sentences, while the slow phases allow your body to fully recover. This shift in pace mimics high-intensity interval training (HIIT), but without the pounding impact of running. The Science Behind Japanese Interval Walking Japanese researchers have been studying this method for over two decades, particularly in older adults. In one landmark study involving 139 participants aged around 63, those who practised interval walking four or more days a week improved their peak aerobic capacity – an important marker of heart and lung fitness – far more than those who walked continuously. They also saw benefits like reduced blood pressure and stronger knee joints. In another trial, people with type 2 diabetes improved their blood sugar control and overall health with interval walking, even when calorie burn matched that of continuous walking. On average, fitness levels increased by 15–20% over a few months, with participants losing 3–5 kilos, mostly from body fat. Who Should Try Japanese Interval Walking? This style of walking is particularly suited to those who want the benefits of running but prefer a lower-impact routine. It's an excellent fit for middle-aged or older adults, beginners looking to build endurance, or anyone short on time. Already very fit? Simply swap the brisk walking segments for light jogging to keep the challenge high. More Than Just a Calorie Burner Beyond weight loss and fitness gains, interval walking offers additional perks: improved muscle strength, better heart health, and enhanced joint resilience. And unlike gym workouts, it requires no equipment, no membership, and no special training. How to Start Japanese Interval Walking? Begin with a 5-minute warm-up, then alternate between three minutes of brisk walking and three minutes of slow walking for 30 minutes. Do it three to five times a week, and track your progress over time. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
