![\"Vulture\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/guardian.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/vulture-1.jpg?resize=1280%2C720&ssl=1\")
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The decline in vultures\u2019 population is becoming alarming, as approximately 500 tonnes are trafficked monthly ending up as derivatives used in traditional medicine. PHOTO: Nature World News<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Africa\u2019s largest and most recognisable birds of prey \u2013 vultures \u2013 are going into extinction as a result of its use for ritual purposes, according to the latest assessment in Ondo, Osun and Ogun states.<\/p>\n
The decline in vultures\u2019 population is becoming alarming, as approximately 500 tonnes are trafficked monthly ending up as derivatives used in traditional medicine.\u00a0The bird is widely sourced from Northern Nigeria to meet the demands in Southwest Nigeria for traditional medicinal purposes.<\/p>\n
There are about 23 species of vultures worldwide, 16 of the species are in developed countries and seven are in the developing countries, while seven of those species are found in Nigeria.<\/p>\n
The South West region has two species described as palmnut vulture (gypohierax angiogenesis) and the hooded vulture (necrosyrtes monachus), but lamented that they are no longer found in places like Ikare, Kabba and Uyo.<\/p>\n
Conservationist at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) raised the alarm last week at a stakeholders\u2019 workshop on wildlife trafficking in Akure, themed: \u201cSave Africa\u2019s Vulture.\u201d<\/p>\n
The NCF Director-General, Mr. Adeniyi Karunwi, said that the extinction of vultures and other wildlife in the country would lead<\/a> to more endemic outbreaks, describing them as special creatures for the survival of mankind.<\/p>\n Karunwi said NCF and other organizations in Africa, with support from BirdLife International, have been working to advocate the protection of vulture and other endangered wildlife that are commonly traded at local and international markets.<\/p>\n The Director urged that the belief system must be able to accommodate a new thinking that not only recognises but also preserves the right of the African vulture species to live.<\/p>\n The vultures\u2019 conservation, he said, is highly imperative so as not to jeopardize the future of the unborn generations, pleading for a sustainable pathway to reduce and ultimately combat vulture decline.<\/p>\n \u201cNCF is not asking too much from us, but a determination and commitment to change our lifestyle particularly the need to see vultures as environmental sanitation agents or cleaners and that human survival depends on them.\u201d<\/p>\n Prof. George Ogunjemite of the Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), said \u201call over the world, vultures serve as nature\u2019s vital clean up crew, resist toughest bacteria, viruses and prevent spread of diseases and epidemic caused by animal corpses.\u201d<\/p>\n Prof. Ogunjemite listed<\/a> habitat loss, poisoning, hunting, large market for traditional medicine, poachers, effects of poisoned predators by cattle rearers are major threats against the conservation of cultures.<\/p>\n He, however, disclosed that the decline of vulture in many parts of the country due to the negative belief and attitude of the people, especially poachers, has led to the infestation of more grave diggers that are able to spread virulent diseases like Ebola, cholera, etc.<\/p>\n \u201cThe moment wildlife is destroyed, mankind too will be destroyed. They have biodiversity linkage. We have to let people know that as it is happening that as it is happening to primates, it is happening to other animals too,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He warned that their extinction will consequently spread deadly diseases, parasites, lead to emergence of new and more deadly epidemic, increased environmental pollutants, loss of historical past and personality.<\/p>\n The stakeholders, collectively, blamed government for poor legislation on the conservation of wildlife, noting that there is failure in the effective implementation of extant laws to protect them.<\/p>\n In a communiqu\u00e9, they urged government at all levels to make effective legislations for the conservation of wildlife and ensure their enforcement with stiffer penalties for violators.<\/p>\n \u201cWe urge the government to step up efforts at promoting conducive habitat and environmental protection; especially on research and continuation of policies. The stakeholders also demanded advocacy, enlightenment, education and sensitization on the dangers of wildlife (vulture) decline, stressing the importance of their conservation; importantly in local dialects.<\/p>\n \u201cWe urge, as a matter of urgency, that the curriculum should be revised to include relevant aspects of wildlife preservation and conservation in the educational syllabi from elementary to tertiary institutions.<\/p>\n \u201cWe demand active communal participation in the advocacy among traditional institutions, religious leaders, transport unions, peer groups etc,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n Guardian <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\n\u201cWe ask all relevant government agencies like National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and other law enforcement agencies for effective synergy to mitigate trafficking in wildlife resources.\u201d<\/p>\n