Halting The Decline Of Vultures In West Central Africa
As scavengers, vultures play an unparalleled role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Yet, they are among the species most threatened with extinction, with African vultures being the most endangered group of birds in the world. The highest rates of decline have been documented in West Africa where Illegal taking and trafficking for believe-based use was identified as one of the main threats.
The Niger stronghold and the Chad basin area were identified as the largest aggregations of vulture habitats in West Africa supporting significant populations of threatened vulture species, and therefore potentially uniquely placed to implement effective conservation program, using the best available evidence.
This project, implemented by Sahara Conservation in collaboration with governments’ authorities in Niger and Chad1 , aims to help conserve highly threatened vulture species in Western and Central Africa. The success of our action relies on a holistic approach based on three integrated pillars to protect the remaining vulture populations.
- Monitoring key vulture populations to address knowledge gaps and inform conservation actions.
- Raising awareness to increase engagement of local and surrounding communities where vultures occur to demonstrate benefits of vulture conservation.
- Building capacities and sensitization of main stakeholders involved in vulture trafficking and belief-based use: with hunters and traditional healers to reduce demand and with relevant authorities to help prevent wildlife offences.
This project will contribute to the recovery of vulture populations in the area and beyond as many Eurasian migrants’ winter in the region.
