Death of Himalayan Griffon Vultures in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve | 13 Apr 2026

Why in News? 

More than 25 Himalayan Griffon vultures were found dead in the buffer zone of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.  

Key Points 

• Location: The carcasses were discovered in an agricultural field in the buffer zone of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Lakhimpur Kheri district.  
• Suspected Cause: Officials suspect the deaths occurred due to secondary poisoning, where vultures consumed carcasses of animals that had earlier ingested poisoned substances. 
• Status: Himalayan Griffon vulture (Gyps himalayensis) 
  • IUCN Status: Near Threatened (NT). 
  • WPA Status (India): They are protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972. 
  • Habitat: High-altitude regions of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau.