World Vulture Day: Why Are Vultures Vanishing in Nigeria?

Vulture populations on the African continent have plummeted catastrophically over the last 50 years,

with some species declining by as much as 97%. Seven of the eleven African vulture species are at risk of

extinction.

These majestic birds are now faced with extinction, with some species for the continent declining up to

97% over the last 50 years.

Today, 7 out of 11 African vulture species are threatened with extinction due to various threats.

Poisoning is the major cause of vulture mortalities, accounting for more than 60% of vulture deaths on

the continent. In some instances, poachers lace carcasses with poison to kill vultures as they alert

authorities of poaching activities. In other cases, vultures are killed unintentionally when herders lace

carcasses with poison to kill predators in retaliatory killings, and vultures die after feeding on these

carcasses

This report will investigate the reasons for the dwindling vulture population. It would highlight the

ecological consequences of losing vultures and the potential public health risks associated with

unregulated traditional medicine practices.

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has been engaging traditional healers intending to raise

awareness about plant-based alternatives to vulture parts. Since October 2019, these meetings have

been held in the northern states of Sokoto Kano and Yobe, and the southern state of Ogun. More than

80 traditional healers have taken part in these events. Recently, NCF created Vulture Safe Zone Activities

in Anambra State to support community-based monitoring and conservation of the vulture population.

This report will look at the direct link between the demand for vulture parts in traditional medicine and

the dwindling vulture population. It would highlight the ecological consequences of losing vultures and

the potential public health risks associated with unregulated traditional medicine practices.

This episode will feature Dr Stella Egbe, Species Conservation Manager - Nigeria Conservation

Foundation.