Why in the news?
A radio-tagged, captive-bred White-rumped Vulture released in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) was electrocuted after coming into contact with a power line, marking the failure of the first reintroduction attempt of a captive-bred bird into the landscape.
White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
- Scientific name: Gyps bengalensis
- IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix II
- Distribution: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan. In South India, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve hosts one of the last viable breeding populations.
Why are White-rumped Vultures Declining?
- Veterinary use of Diclofenac, causing kidney failure.
- Electrocution from power lines.
- Collision with transmission lines.
- Poisoning from contaminated carcasses.
- Habitat degradation and food scarcity.
[2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?
[A] It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
[B] It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and not it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
[C] It is endemic to a particular region of India.
[D] Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.