UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 65
Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: Veterinary diclofenac in livestock carcasses caused fatal kidney damage in scavenging vultures, driving severe population declines.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Habitat disturbance is a threat but not the identified principal widespread cause.
B: Correct - Correct: diclofenac administered to cattle poisoned vultures feeding on carcasses.
C: Incorrect - A general lack of carrion does not explain the characteristic rapid collapse.
D: Incorrect - The main cause was chemical toxicity, not an infectious disease epidemic.