However, the use of veterinary drugs like diclofenac caused a dramatic decline in their populations, dropping by 98% by the mid-1990s. This loss has had severe consequences for human health, as vultures  absence has allowed diseases to spread.

A recent study links the decline to increased human deaths, emphasizing the birds  critical role in controlling disease. Despite efforts to revive vulture populations, the crisis persists, highlighting the need for stronger conservation measures.

A recent study reveals that the loss of vultures has caused a rise in disease spread, leading to approximately half a million deaths over five years. Without vultures to remove decaying carcasses, the spread of bacteria and pathogens has increased, contributing to higher mortality rates, especially in urban areas with large livestock populations. The study estimates that from 2000 to 2005, the vulture decline caused an additional 100,000 deaths annually and economic losses of over $69 billion per year.

The absence of vultures has led to an increase in the stray dog population, which spreads diseases like rabies. While rabies vaccine sales increased, they were insufficient, and the spread of bacteria in water sources became more prevalent. Experts argue that this collapse highlights the unpredictable costs of losing species and emphasizes the need to protect wildlife, especially keystone species like vultures.

India’s remaining vultures are now concentrated in protected areas, but the threat to their survival continues due to factors such as veterinary drugs, habitat destruction, and competition from feral dogs. Although there are efforts to revive the population, including the release of captive-bred vultures, more action is needed to ensure their recovery.