Vultures Are Disappearing in Nigeria - But One Man Is Fighting to Reverse the Trend

The vulture’s reputation precedes it: a scavenger of death and decay, feared by many for its association with mortality. Yet, in Nigeria, one man has taken on the challenge of changing this perception – not just locally, but continent-wide.

In Awka-Etiti, a largely Christian community in south-eastern Nigeria, residents have bucked the trend of hunting and exploiting vultures. Instead, they’ve learned to coexist with them, recognizing their vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Chukwuemeka Igwe, a local resident who has earned the nickname “King of Vulture,” attributes this change in attitude to traditional practices where vultures are seen as a sign of good omen.

Africa’s vulture population is facing a dire situation. Seven species have been classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered by BirdLife International, with populations plummeting by 80% to 97% over the past 50 years. The use of vulture body parts in traditional medicine and Vodun has emerged as a significant driver of their decline, particularly in West and southern Africa. Poaching for these purposes accounts for an estimated 60% of all vulture deaths on the continent.

The consequences of this decline are stark. Without vultures, ecosystems lose a crucial natural defence against disease, allowing bacteria and diseases like anthrax and rabies to spread unchecked. In places where vultures have vanished entirely, experts warn that the impact can be devastating – as seen in areas where zoonotic diseases have taken hold.

However, Awka-Etiti serves as a beacon of hope amidst this bleak landscape. Here, residents have found a way to balance their traditional practices with conservation efforts, protecting vultures and preserving their habitat. Chukwuemeka Igwe’s tireless work has been instrumental in this effort, mobilizing community leaders and security teams to safeguard the birds from outside hunters.

Despite their efforts, outsiders continue to arrive in Awka-Etiti, seeking to exploit the birds for their body parts. The Vulture King notes that this is a stark reminder that the fight to save vultures is far from over – and that conservationists must be vigilant in protecting these creatures.

As researchers meet in Abuja later this year to review the West African Vulture Conservation Action Plan, one question lingers: what will it take to reverse the trend of vulture decline? Can communities like Awka-Etiti serve as a model for other parts of Africa, where cultural norms and practices are often at odds with conservation efforts?

The answer lies in acknowledging the value of these birds – not just as scavengers, but as ecological sentinels. By recognizing their importance in maintaining balance within ecosystems, we may just begin to see vultures as the symbols of life they truly are.

In a continent where so much has been lost, it’s time to listen to the silent scream of the vulture – and take action before it’s too late.