Assessment of attitude and perception of the local community towards vultures in and around Wolkite Town, Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Vulture populations are facing a huge decline throughout the world and most of the species are listed as threatened. Their decline can have negative impacts on various aspects of the environment, including human beings. Understanding local communities' attitudes and perceptions are essential to identify wildlife conservation challenges and developing sustainable wildlife conservation. There is limited study on threats, attitudes, and perceptions of local communities towards vulture species in the study area. Therefore, the present investigation generates substantial information regarding the attitudes and perceptions of the local community towards vultures in Wolkite town, which is an important foraging area for vultures. A questionnaire survey was used with both open and closed questions related to how frequently vultures have been observed on their private property and the population trend, their attitude and perception towards vultures in and around the town, as well as the threats to vultures. It was employed in 80 purposefully selected households located near the vultures’ feeding and roosting sites. Data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques. There was a significant correlation between some socioeconomic variables such as level of education, age, respondent occupation, residency, and positive attitude towards vultures. The attitudes of the local community towards vultures were influenced by the physical and behavioural characteristics of the species. Respondents’ age, education, gender, willingness to participate, and understand the benefits of vultures significantly influenced conservation attitudes. Communities are well aware of the decline of vultures but do not understand the ecological importance of vulture species. Hence, thorough awareness-creation activities should be promoted to conserve vulture species.