NCF warns against illegal trade in vulture parts

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has expressed serious concerns over the illegal trade in vulture parts across Nigeria. In a recent statement, the foundation highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action to save the rapidly declining vulture populations. Dr. Joseph Onoja, the Director General of NCF, emphasized that Nigeria is at the heart of the regional vulture conservation crisis, which includes illegal killing, trade, and poisoning of these birds.

He pointed out that Nigeria and Benin are key hubs for cross-border vulture trading within the 16 countries covered by the West African Vulture Conservation Action Plan (WAVCAP). Dr. Onoja urged the federal government to enhance enforcement of existing wildlife protection laws and increase monitoring of markets involved in the illegal vulture trade.

He also called for the implementation of the adopted WAVCAP and the creation of Vulture Safe Zones to prevent poisoning and safeguard critical feeding and breeding areas. NCF believes that tackling the crisis necessitates a comprehensive approach, involving collaboration among government agencies, conservation organizations, traditional medicine practitioners, communities, and neighboring countries like Niger, Benin, and Cameroon.

The foundation has been actively engaging traditional medicine practitioners to promote the ecological role of vultures and encourage plant-based alternatives for belief-based practices. They are also conducting satellite tagging, population surveys, conservation education, and community engagement to identify threats and garner local support for vulture protection.

NCF is calling on Nigerians to refrain from purchasing or using illegally sourced vulture parts, avoid supporting wildlife traders, and report any suspected wildlife crimes to the appropriate authorities. The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with government bodies, communities, researchers, traditional institutions, law enforcement agencies, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders to halt the decline of Nigeria's vultures and ensure their vital ecological role persists in the country.