Vulture Talk

Vulture Talk: International Vulture Awareness Day 2025

By Shivangi Mishra

Every year, on the first Saturday of September, conservationists, bird enthusiasts, and nature lovers around the globe come together to mark International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD). This day reminds us of the critical role vultures play in keeping ecosystems healthy and the urgent need to protect them.

This year, I started my very first podcast, and it debuted as a special episode for IVAD 2025:
Vulture Talk: Wings, Microbes, and The Wild!

This conversation brought together Zakie Hage, a fellow vulture enthusiast and Master’s student at the University of Calgary, and myself, with the discussion moderated by my friend and colleague Myriam Gerber, University of Calgary.

The episode was recorded at the Arctic Institute of North America, giving us an amazing setting for our conversation.

In this episode:

• Field stories from Egyptian vultures in India
• Why vultures matter in culture & ecosystems
• The secret world of the vulture microbiome
• Threats driving vultures to the brink
• Inspiring chat with vulture researcher Zakie Hage

Together, we explored fascinating aspects of vultures—their ecological importance as nature’s clean-up crew, their importance in culture, unique microbiome, and the challenges they face in the wild. We also reflected on why raising awareness is so crucial, especially at a time when many vulture species are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, poisoning, and lack of awareness.

Why Vultures Matter

• They prevent the spread of disease by cleaning up carcasses quickly and efficiently.
• They’re an essential link in maintaining ecosystem balance.
• Their decline would have devastating ripple effects on both wildlife and human health.

How You Can Help

• Spread awareness—share this podcast and talk about vultures in your networks.
• Support conservation organizations working to protect these species.
• Advocate for safe environments free from harmful substances like diclofenac.

International Vulture Awareness Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder that every step we take to protect vultures is a step towards a healthier, more balanced planet. 🌍💚 Let’s keep the conversation alive, protect their skies, and ensure that vultures continue soaring for generations to come.