Decline in Vulture population leading to health crisis in India, costing nearly $70 billion, 5 lakh deaths, study finds

A significant decline in vulture populations in India has led to a public health crisis, causing up to 500,000 premature deaths between 2000 and 2005, according to a study published in the American Economic Review. The absence of vultures, vital for consuming dead animals and preventing disease spread, underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts.