Emmanuel Adebija
The Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus), a once widespread species across sub-Saharan Africa, is suffering drastic population declines. In West Africa, populations have declined by over 80 percent (Ogada et al., 2016), leading to its current IUCN status as Critically Endangered and inclusion in Appendix II of CITES. In Nigeria, more than 50% of vulture populations have disappeared due to poisoning, habitat destruction, direct persecution, and harvesting for traditional medicine (Saidu & Buij, 2013). Despite their ecological importance as natural waste managers and disease regulators, vultures still remain highly threatened and are often misunderstood and culturally stigmatized.
In Kogi State, central Nigeria, remnant populations of the Hooded Vulture have been observed in Emi Abumo Woro, Bassa Local Government Area. This site presents a unique conservation opportunity as it supports one of the few remaining unprotected populations of Hooded Vulture. However, over the years, there has been little to no data available on their current population status and local threats. Additionally, levels of public knowledge regarding vultures and their importance remain low within the community.
This project therefore aims to promote the conservation of the Hooded Vulture in around Emi Abumo Woro, by addressing knowledge gaps and fostering positive perceptions through environmental education and community-based awareness campaigns. The project will focus primarily on schoolchildren, teachers, and community members.
Key activities include delivering interactive conservation education programs, tailored towards enhancing students’ understanding of vultures and their ecological importance. Conservation-themed storytelling, creative arts, knowledge assessments, and distribution of educational materials such as posters and T-shirts will reinforce learning and create lasting engagement. A participatory town hall session will also be organized to engage local leaders and adult members of the community, addressing cultural myths, harmful practices, and the value of conserving vultures and their habitats.
In addition, the project incorporates basic vulture presence and habitat monitoring to document remnant populations and potential roosting or breeding sites, helping to fill information gaps within the landscape. These surveys, conducted with support from trained teachers and students, will foster local stewardship and encourage citizen science.