LAGOS/Nigeria: The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has issued a stark warning about the perilous decline in the country’s vulture population, calling for urgent conservation efforts to prevent extinction and a looming epidemic.
Mr. Oladapo Soneye, Communications Manager at NCF, delivered this critical message on Sunday in Lagos.
The NCF has initiated a rescue mission under the banner of “Supporting Community-based Monitoring and Conservation for Vulture Populations in Identified Vulture Safe Zones across Nigeria.” This mission aims to address the plummeting vulture population and its significant benefits to the environment and people.
Mr. Soneye noted that the project has received support from the Indianapolis Zoo and is part of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the remaining vulture species in Nigeria. Highlighting the importance of vultures, he pointed out that the global community recently observed International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) on September 2.
Speaking on the NCF’s endeavors, Soneye stated, “NCF is using the opportunity to create more awareness about the importance of vultures in our society and emphasize the critical efforts it has put in place to help improve the situation.” He further explained that the Vulture Safe Zone (VSZ) project is a key initiative aimed at protecting remaining vulture populations in their natural habitats while promoting sustainable livelihoods.
The primary goal of the project is to reverse the negative trends in viable vulture populations found in two selected sites within Nigeria. This comprehensive effort includes engaging stakeholders to identify threats, devising livelihood alternatives to address these threats, and training local communities in vulture population monitoring.
Highlighting the significance of the training, Soneye said, “This is important as it promotes species appreciation and consciousness within the community.” Additionally, community-based volunteers were equipped with essential monitoring tools such as binoculars, GPS units, mobile phones, data sheets, and other materials.
It is alarming that Nigeria, home to seven out of the 11 vulture species in Africa, is witnessing the endangerment of these vital birds. These species include the Egyptian Vulture, Hooded Vulture, White-backed Vulture, White-headed Vulture, Ruppell’s Griffon, Palm-nut Vulture, and Lappet-faced Vulture. Of these, only the Hooded Vulture and Palm-nut Vulture appear to be thriving in the country.
Vultures, often referred to as nature’s sanitary prefects, play a crucial role by feeding on carcasses without spreading diseases into the environment, unlike other scavengers. The absence of vultures could potentially lead to the outbreak of diseases such as anthrax and rabies.
The NCF’s call for action serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect these invaluable creatures and the delicate ecological balance they maintain in Nigeria.
