The continued use of banned drugs like Diclofenac and NSAIDs in veterinary medicine has also led to sharp drops in vulture populations
Published Jul 23, 2025 | 8:08 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 23, 2025 | 8:08 PM
Toxic Farmlands Threaten India’s Grassland Birds and Ecosystem
A study by Bengaluru’s National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) warns that rampant use of insecticides, especially neonicotinoids and changing agricultural patterns are pushing India’s grassland bird species toward extinction. These birds, including the Great Indian Bustard, Tawny Eagle, and Bengal Florican, play vital roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control.
Their decline disrupts the ecosystem and may ultimately impact public health. The continued use of banned drugs like Diclofenac and NSAIDs in veterinary medicine has also led to sharp drops in vulture populations. Neonicotinoids, absorbed by plants and found in pollen and nectar, are harming both pollinators and the birds that feed on them. While many Western nations have imposed bans, India’s regulation remains dangerously lax.
