Confronting culture to protect vultures: Interview with Nigeria’s Michael Williams

Vultures, essential for cleaning up carcasses and preventing disease, are critically endangered, especially in West Africa where populations have sharply declined due to poaching and cultural beliefs that value vulture parts. Michael Williams from Nigeria is at the forefront of efforts to protect these birds, addressing both the poaching issue and changing cultural perceptions. His work highlights the broader implications for ecosystem health and disease prevention, showing that conservation must often confront deep-rooted cultural practices to succeed.