Guwahati (PTI): With vultures on the verge of extinction in India, scientists are looking for ways to boost the survival of the species, which prevent spread of diseases by eating animal carcass.

"Survival of vultures is important for the ecosystem as by eating animal carcass they prevent spread of diseases. They also prevent proliferation of dogs which become ferocious after feeding on dead animals and spread rabies," Director of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) Asad Rehmani told reporters here on Friday.

"Ninety-nine percent of the 40 million vultures counted in 1992 have died by 2007 due to the use of diclofenc given to cattle to relieve pain and inflammation by veterinarians," Rehmani said. According to him, the residue of the drug in dead animals which vultures feed on causes kidney failure of the birds.

He said BNHS has conducted nationwide surveys and working to save vultures from extinction. Of the three affected species, Oriental White-rumped vultures declined by 99.9 per cent, Long-billed and Slender-billed vultures by 96.8 per cent, Rehmani said, adding the population of the Oriental White-rumped was 43.9 per cent between 2000-2007 period.