Question

The three species of vultures that are critically endangered that have declined by more than 97 percent since 1990s are: 

1. Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) 

2. Oriental white-backed (Gyps bengalensis) 

3. Long-billed (Gyps indicus) 

4. Slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) 

Select the answer from the codes given below- 

(a) 1, 2 and 3 

(b) 2, 3 and 4 

(c) 1, 3 and 4

(d) None of the above

Answer 1

Correct option: (d) None of the above

Explanation:

The veterinary drug Diclofenac that is used in vetting the cattle has been identified as a reason that is causing the sharp deep in the number of vultures. Use of this drug has been banned in India. Diclofenac is toxic for any and all vultures that feed on the carcass of recently treated cattle. Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction (SAVE) in its study says that the version for human use is being illegally given to the cattle. A programme named SAVE in its plan will release up to 25 birds into the 30000 kilometer square safe zone. The captive-bred birds will be released into the wild by 2016 under the project.