Deadly span: On vulture safety in India, threat of electrocution

The article highlights electrocution from expanding power infrastructure as a growing threat to India's vulture population, potentially superseding the historical threat of diclofenac. It recounts the drastic 99.5% decline of vultures in the 1990s due to diclofenac (and later aceclofenac, ketoprofen), leading to increased feral dog populations, rabies outbreaks, and significant economic costs. With vultures nesting at only 50% of historic sites, the article emphasizes the fragility of the population. It details how vultures' wide wingspans, perching habits, and attraction to food waste near electrical installations make them vulnerable. Studies suggest solutions like separating feeding sites from power infrastructure, insulating conductors, increasing gaps between components, and installing safe perches to mitigate electrocution risks for vultures and other raptors.