Vultures in India are still at risk of dying from poisoning, even in protected areas, because farmers continue to use a drug called diclofenac on their livestock. This drug is deadly to vultures.

A recent study led by scientists in Bengaluru found that vultures’ droppings contained DNA from cows and water buffalo, which shows that the birds are eating livestock remains even inside protected zones. This is worrying because diclofenac, used on these animals, can kill vultures.

The researchers collected vulture droppings from different parts of India and analyzed them to understand what the birds were eating. They discovered that vultures often feed on domestic animals, including feral cattle found inside protected areas.

Vultures are important for our environment because they clean up dead animals, preventing the spread of diseases. But diclofenac is harming them, even in places where they should be safe.

The study warns that diclofenac and other similar drugs are still being misused on livestock, despite some being banned. This misuse threatens the survival of vultures, who are essential for keeping our ecosystems healthy.

To protect vultures, researchers suggest testing dead cattle regularly and not relying solely on protected areas. They urge stricter rules to stop harmful drugs from harming these important birds.