Assam: 3 Himalayan Vultures Spotted Dead After Suspected Poisoning

GUWAHATI: On Thursday, the carcasses of three Himalayan vultures were found in a field in Chayygaon, Assam's Kamrup district. 

The vultures, according to sources, were discovered dead in a field close to the Nowamati hamlet in Chayygaon. While the deaths of three vultures were confirmed, one of them is reportedly in serious condition.

The vultures' deaths are thought to have been caused by poisoning, but the precise cause won't be known until after the post-mortem. Forestry officials arrived on the scene in the interim to assess the situation. 

According to multiple stories, farmers frequently combine pesticides in the corpse of a goat or a cow in order to kill dogs that pose a threat to livestock, but unintentionally poison vultures as a result. 

"In cases as such, a widely used pesticide called furadan is utilised. It is extremely lethal and is used to get rid of pests like insects and rats”,  according to biologist Sachin Ranade, who oversees the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre at Rani. 

“In this instance, the poison was probably mixed into the goat carcass with the intent to kill dogs. Although trying to poison the dogs is undoubtedly not the solution, the issue of dogs attacking cattle is complicated. They should get in touch with the local authorities if they want action taken against dogs. Poisoning is not a way of dealing this issue rather it is illegal and harsh," he continued. 

Up to 25 vultures have died this year in January under unexplained circumstances in Assam's Sivasagar district. Locals in the Gorkush region discovered the remains in a field and alerted forest officials. The vultures are thought to have been ill after eating a cow corpse that was discovered nearby, close to the scene. 

Later, when forest officials arrived, they provided first aid to the eight vultures that were still alive.

Also Read: Assam: NIA To Hear Akhil Gogoi’s CAA Protest Case On 25 April

Also Watch: