🌍 In this episode of the Landmark Difference Makers Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of wildlife conservation with Dr. Percy Avari, a distinguished veterinarian, professor, and advocate for avian health. With over 15 years of experience at the Bombay Veterinary College and groundbreaking research in avian conservation, Dr. Avari has dedicated his career to the welfare of wildlife—particularly vultures, a misunderstood yet vital species in maintaining ecological balance.
A Lifelong Passion for Animals and Science
Dr. Avari’s journey into veterinary science began with inspiration from childhood documentaries like African Safari and the book Dog Days by James Herriot. Growing up in the bustling city of Mumbai, he felt a profound pull towards animals, leading him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine despite the complexities of treating multiple species.
Unlike medical doctors who specialize in one species, veterinarians must understand the physiology of a wide range of animals. For Dr. Avari, this challenge became a calling, especially in the study of avian species. “Veterinary science requires understanding species-specific needs,” he explains, “and when it comes to birds, there are 10,000 distinct species, each behaving and functioning differently.”
Debunking Myths About Vultures
Throughout his career, Dr. Avari has focused on vultures, a species he describes as “nature’s clean-up crew.” Despite their critical role in preventing disease by consuming animal carcasses, vultures are often misunderstood and stigmatized as ominous creatures. Dr. Avari emphasizes their importance: “Vultures prevent the spread of diseases like anthrax by cleaning up carcasses quickly, within minutes.”
He notes that vultures are uniquely adapted to their scavenger lifestyle. They can go weeks without food but consume up to a third of their body weight in one meal. Their ability to digest pathogens that would harm other animals makes them indispensable to ecosystems.
The Alarming Decline of Vultures
Vulture populations in South Asia have suffered a catastrophic decline of 97% over the past few decades, primarily due to the use of diclofenac sodium, a veterinary drug toxic to vultures when they consume treated animal carcasses. Although the drug was banned in 2006, the population has not fully recovered due to habitat loss, continued use of similar drugs, and slow reproductive cycles.
Dr. Avari paints a grim picture of the consequences: “With fewer vultures, we’ve seen a massive rise in feral dog populations at carcass dumps, leading to increased rabies cases and attacks on humans and wildlife.”
A Vision for Conservation and Education
Despite these challenges, Dr. Avari remains optimistic. He views advocacy and education as the keys to reversing this decline. From addressing nine-year-olds’ questions about ecosystems to speaking at international conferences, he tirelessly raises awareness about the interconnectedness of biodiversity and human health.
Dr. Avari believes that empowering younger generations to value nature is crucial. “Nature is resilient,” he says. “If we give it the space to heal, it will rebound. Our job is to educate and advocate for responsible coexistence with wildlife.”
Inspiring a Future of Possibility
Dr. Avari’s work extends beyond conservation to mentoring future veterinarians and inspiring others to see humanity as a force for good. “I don’t see people as destroyers of the planet,” he shares. “I see them as inherently kind and curious, capable of extraordinary contributions when given the chance.”
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