UPSC Notes

Anthropogenic Threats to Biodiversity

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

This concept is fundamental to understanding environmental challenges, sustainable development, and the need for regulatory frameworks and policy interventions to mitigate human-induced ecological damage. It's a cross-cutting theme in Environment & Ecology.

Anthropogenic threats refer to the diverse range of negative impacts caused by human activities on natural ecosystems and species, leading to habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and the direct exploitation of resources, ultimately resulting in significant biodiversity loss.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Chemical Pollution

Veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac, widely used in livestock, are a major cause of vulture mortality due to bioaccumulation.

Infrastructure Development

Expansion of power infrastructure leads to electrocution of birds, especially large raptors like vultures.

Accidental Poisoning

Accidental poisoning from rodenticides and other toxins in the environment poses a significant threat to scavengers.

Habitat & Food Resource Alteration

Habitat degradation, disturbance of nesting sites, and changes in traditional land-use practices (e.g., shift from pastoralism to settled agriculture) reduce food availability and suitable habitats.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaEnvironment & Ecology
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • NSAIDs (diclofenac) are a primary chemical threat to vultures.
  • Electrocution from power lines is a significant physical threat.
  • Accidental poisoning from various toxins affects scavengers.
  • Habitat loss and altered food sources due to land-use changes.
  • These threats highlight the need for integrated environmental management.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Environment & Ecology

Understanding the disappearance of Egyptian Vulture in Tamil Nadu

08 Jul 2026 · Human activities like drug use (NSAIDs), infrastructure development (electrocution), chemical pollution (poisoning), and land-use changes (habitat loss, food scarcity) are major drivers of biodiversity decline, exemplified by the Egyptian Vulture's disappearance.

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Related topics

Current topic

Anthropogenic Threats to Biodiversity

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Anthropogenic Threats to Biodiversity in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.