Name: Why I love vultures
Uploaded: 2012-11-29T16:02:15Z
Duration: 6 min 24 s
Description: As natural garbage collectors, vultures are vital to our ecosystem -- so why all the bad press? Why are so many in danger of extinction? Raptor biologist Munir Virani says we need to pay more attention to these unique and misunderstood creatures, to change our perception and save the vultures.

Munir Virani: Why I love vultures

Why I love vultures

As natural garbage collectors, vultures are vital to our ecosystem -- so why all the bad press? Why are so many in danger of extinction? Raptor biologist Munir Virani says we need to pay more attention to these unique and misunderstood creatures, to change our perception and save the vultures.

Vultures are among the planet’s most endangered birds, yet they are critical for public health and ecosystem balance. In places without vultures, animal carcasses take up to four times longer to decompose, leading to the spread of disease and surges in feral dog populations and rabies. Despite their reputation for ugliness and greed, vultures have deep cultural significance, from ancient Egyptian mythology to Tibetan sky burials. Their decline, driven by poisoning, habitat threats, and harmful drugs, reveals how little we value these essential natural cleaners.