State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 13 Apr 2026

Death of Himalayan Griffon Vultures in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

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. 

Read More: Himalayan Griffon, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve