scavenger: one that searches for or feeds on discarded or dead matter
carcass: dead body of an animal
take for granted: to not appreciate someone or something
antibiotic: a type of drug that kills off tiny, harmful organisms
extinction: the complete loss of a species
stench: a terrible smell
Vultures Aren’t Just Ugly Birds
Vultures are often considered ugly and smelly. These scavengers feed on fresh meat and rotting carcasses. Their bare heads and necks prevent bacteria from getting buried in their feathers. The service vultures provide is often taken for granted. In India, vulture species have declined by up to 99% in recent years. An antibiotic drug given to cattle and other livestock caused the near extinction in India. The missing birds of prey did not go unnoticed, however. Without the vultures to remove the sick and dead animals, the stench of carcasses became unbearable. Rabies and other diseases became a major problem due to an increase in rats and wild dogs. Now that the drug has been banned for use on livestock, Indian vultures are getting back to the important job at hand.
