Perceptions on population decline and ethno-cultural knowledge of Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) in southwest States of Nigeria.

Abstract

The global decline of many vulture populations due to anthropogenic activities is increasing and is largely connected to cases of poisoning. The objectives of this study were to access local perceptions and knowledge of vulture declines, and to determine the ethno-cultural uses of vulture body parts across southwest Nigeria. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered through interviews with randomly selected respondents (n = 144) between August 2018 and July 2019. Results showed that 82.5% (n = 119) of respondents confirmed the sharp decline in vulture populations. 79.8% (n = 115) of respondents considered poisoning to be the cause of vulture deaths in the study area and 79.8% (n = 117) confirmed the need to conserve the remaining vultures. 80.5% (n = 116) of respondents reported that vultures play a key role in Yoruba traditional settings. Vulture parts (organs) were reported as being important in ethno-cultural traditional benefits ranging from curing ailments, to making financial fortune to enhancing dreams, having visions about the future, healing and magic use. Conservation education and public awareness to shift the public mindset away from the use of vultures for rituals and healing purposes and the resultant negative effect of extirpation and extinction is the only way forward.