Carbofuran poisoning is emerging as a major threat to vultures in Assam. The use of this highly toxic pesticide in contaminated carcasses has led to significant vulture mortality in recent years. Understand the causes, impacts, and conservation measures needed to protect vultures—an important topic for UPSC and APSC current affairs. Read More Below.
Carbofuran Poisoning of Vultures: A Major Threat
The use of the pesticide Carbofuran, commonly sold under the trade name Furadon, has emerged as a significant cause of vulture mortality in Assam.
- Carbofuran (Furadon) identified as the major cause of vulture mortality in Assam.
- It is a highly toxic pesticide harmful to birds.
- Poisoning mechanism: Livestock herders lace cattle carcasses with carbofuran to kill feral dogs- vultures consume poisoned carcasses and die.
Impact
- 700 vultures died in Assam since 2018 due to carbofuran poisoning.
- 2025: 13 vultures died in Kamrup West Forest Division.
- Sharp decline in nests in lower Assam due to habitat loss, especially decline of tall nesting trees like cotton tree.
- Habitat loss affects breeding success and population stability.
Key Measures Suggested
- Regulation of pesticide: Mandatory registration system for sale and purchase of carbofuran for traceability.
- Strict enforcement: Monitoring sellers and prosecuting offenders.
- Awareness campaigns: Inform people about banned pesticides and impacts on vultures.
- Veterinary centres: Display posters on banned drugs/pesticides.
- Habitat restoration: Plantation of tall tree species for nesting with community participation.
Stakeholders & Initiatives:
- Aaranyak, Assam Forest Department, Oriental Bird Club
- Local institutions: Village Defence Party, PRI members, Chhaygaon Police Station, Chhaygaon Circle Office.
- Community awareness initiative in Kamrup led to zero vulture deaths (Nov 2025 – Feb 2026).
Vulture Ecology
- Nesting: On large tall trees such as cotton tree.
- Critical season: November-March (breeding of resident vultures + arrival of migratory species).
- Migratory species: Himalayan Griffon.
Government Action
- The Government of India has banned certain pesticides, including carbofuran. However, public awareness and enforcement remain limited, allowing illegal use to continue in some areas.
- Strengthening monitoring and awareness campaigns will be essential to protect India’s critically important vulture populations.
LUCENT IAS Practice Questions
Q. With reference to Carbofuran poisoning of vultures in Assam, consider the following statements:
- Carbofuran is a highly toxic pesticide harmful to birds.
- Vultures are poisoned when they consume carcasses contaminated with carbofuran.
- Carbofuran is commonly used by livestock herders to eliminate feral dogs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D
Q.Consider the following statements regarding vulture ecology in Assam:
- Vultures commonly nest on large tall trees such as the cotton tree.
- The breeding season of resident vultures occurs mainly between November and March.
- Himalayan Griffon is a migratory vulture species visiting the region.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D
About Lucent IAS
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Publications From LUCENT IAS
- “The Assam Odyssey: The Complete Assam Centric Resource useful for APSC CCE and various other Departmental Examinations. Read More
- InExam PYQ Explained.Read More
- Mains Tattva: The Craft of Answer Writing (GS Paper PYQs). Read More
- Maanchitra – An Illustrative Colour-Coded Informative Map of Assam. Read More
- প্ৰাৰম্ভ (Prarambha). Read More
- অসম ওডিচী – The Assam Odyssey (Assamese Edition). Read More
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