Vultures are disappearing in Nigeria - but the 'Vulture King' is fighting to reverse the trend

In south-eastern Nigeria, a small town named Awka-Etiti is taking a stand against vulture decline. The town is home to a sacred forest surrounding a shrine dedicated to the deity Nguma, and locals observe traditional practices in which vultures play a key role. The "Vulture King," a local resident named Chukwuemeka Igwe, has been tirelessly working with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) to protect these birds.

Igwe explains that the indigenous people do not hunt vultures; instead, they offer fresh animal sacrifices at the shrine that attract the birds. The shrine's ancient tree is considered the spiritual home of the shrine, and locals believe that when vultures are present, it is a good omen that the deity has accepted the sacrifice.

With Igwe's help, community leaders, local groups, and security teams have been mobilized to protect the birds from outside hunters. Monitoring efforts have recorded over 160 vultures in the area, a significant increase from just 20 in 2017. Rapid urban growth, poisoning, and the use of vultures in traditional medicine and Vodun have all contributed to the decline of vulture populations across Africa.

Seven species of vultures in Africa are now classified as globally Endangered or Critically Endangered, with populations falling by as much as 97% over the past 50 years. Conservationists are searching for communities where vultures are not hunted or exploited, and Igwe believes that raising awareness about the importance of vultures to human life can help save these birds.