A former Air Force doctor turned wildlife photographer, Ishan Pathak, spent years chasing these misunderstood birds across India’s deserts, forests, and mountains; not for thrills, but to show the world what they really do. While most people see decay, he sees public health in action. Vultures don’t just eat carcasses; they prevent disease, stop feral dog populations from exploding, and keep ecosystems balanced. And yet, India’s vulture population has crashed by over 90% in recent decades; all because of a cattle drug called diclofenac. Ishan didn’t just notice this; he photographed all 9 vulture species found in India, from the bone-crushing bearded vulture of Himachal to the giant cinereous vulture in Rajasthan’s deserts. What started as a hobby became a mission: change how we see death in nature. His photos aren’t pretty; they’re powerful. And they’re a reminder: sometimes, the most vital creatures are the ones we’re taught to fear.