Himalayan Griffons

Why in news?

• At least 100 vultures - all Himalayan Griffons -  died of suspected poisoning in Assam

About Himalayan Griffons:

• The Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) or Himalayan griffon vulture is an Old World vulture native to the Himalayas and the adjoining Tibetan Plateau.
  • Old World vultures are vultures that are found in the Old World, i.e. the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa.
• It is migratory in nature
• They belong to the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles, buzzards, kites, and hawks.
• It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List and It is listed in Appendix II of the CITES.

Threats:

• Himalayan vultures are also susceptible to toxicity induced by diclofenac, a drug whose residues in domestic animal carcasses.
• But their population have however not shown signs of rapid decline as witnessed in populations of other Gyps vultures across Asia.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Himalayan Griffons’:

1. They are migratory in nature

2. They are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List

3. They are susceptible to toxicity induced by diclofenac, a drug whose residues in domestic animal carcasses.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer