By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), has introduced the National Vulture Conservation Action Plan (NVCAP) to combat the alarming decline of vulture populations in Nigeria.
The announcement was made at a two-day workshop in Lagos aimed at reducing the use of vultures in traditional medicine.
Dr. Moses Ama, Director of Forestry at the Federal Department of Forestry, revealed that vultures—crucial scavengers in the ecosystem—are nearing extinction due to poisoning, illegal trade, and belief-based uses in traditional practices.
Six species of vultures in Nigeria, including the Hooded and White-backed Vultures, are classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
“The loss of vultures not only threatens biodiversity but also poses serious public health risks by disrupting natural carcass disposal,” Dr. Ama said.
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He added that the NVCAP will focus on education and awareness campaigns, strengthening legal protections through the upcoming Endangered Species Protection and Conservation Bill 2024, and fostering collaboration among law enforcement, NGOs, traditional leaders, and international organizations.
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director-General of NCF, stressed the importance of protecting vultures to maintain the balance of ecosystems, warning that the collapse of these natural systems would have severe consequences for humanity.
Professor Augustine Ezealor, an ornithologist, highlighted the vital ecological roles vultures play, including sanitation, disease control, nutrient cycling, and cultural significance.
He identified hunting, poisoning, nest destruction, and unregulated traditional medicine use as major threats to their survival.
Traditional medicine practitioners, represented by Alhaji Shaba Maikudi of the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), welcomed the initiative and emphasized the need for cooperation between traditional healers, policymakers, and conservationists to create sustainable solutions.
The workshop also featured a presentation from Yuan Liu of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), discussing global efforts to reduce demand for endangered species and enforce protection guidelines.
The NVCAP marks a crucial effort to protect Nigeria’s vultures through coordinated policies, research, and community-based actions.
