A community in south-eastern Nigeria has successfully increased its vulture population through local conservation efforts. Residents of Awka-Etiti have recorded more than 160 vultures, a significant rise from around 20 birds counted in 2017.
This local success contrasts with a broader decline across Africa, where vulture populations have reportedly fallen by 80% to 97% over the past 50 years. Conservationists warn that hunting linked to traditional beliefs, habitat loss, and poisoning are major threats to several vulture species.
Vultures are crucial for ecosystems as they consume dead animals, which helps prevent carcasses from becoming breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria and diseases like anthrax and rabies. Without them, experts warn that ecosystems lose a natural defence system.
Chukwuemeka Igwe, known as the 'King of Vulture', has worked with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) for six years to protect the birds in Awka-Etiti. He has mobilised community leaders and security teams, and local bylaws now help formalise their protection against outside hunters.
Researchers from across the region are scheduled to meet in Abuja later this year to review the West African Vulture Conservation Action Plan, which was drafted in 2022.