Effect of traditional use on Vulture's population in Lagos,Nigeria

Abstract

Vultures are the planetary vacuum cleaner;foraging on carcass potentially reducing disease outbreaks.Unfortunately, in Lagos, Nigeria illegal trade in wildlife and traditional use of vulture parts constitutes a potential threat to its conservation. High market demand for the species is gradually leading to its population decline. A 3-months survey was carried out in four markets predominately known for wildlife trade namely: Epe, Ikorodu, Bariga, and Oyingbo to investigate the current trend in vulture parts utilization and the cultural perception of the indigenous people. The study was carried out through the use of Focused Group Discussion (FGD), formal interview and a questionnaire survey .Three hundred respondents including wildlife vendors, bushmeat consumers, traditional practioners and community heads were interviewed. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The respondents' perceptions were expressed in percentage while the market value of vulture parts was expressed in dollars (USD). Ninety-five (95%) of the respondents believed that there is a gradual decline in the population of vultures through Hunting (51%), habitat destruction (30%) and traditional use (14%). Vultures are traditionally used in medicine, voodoo, rituals and coronation ceremony for kings. Live birds and dried feathers and heads of vulture are freely displayed in the market for a prospective buyer. A single feather cost as much as 1.44 USD while the head is sold for 17.29 USD and the whole bird for 74.89 USD in the open market. Feathers of vultures are traditionally hanged at door post as protection against evil spirit while the heads are burnt and grounded into power, blended with other concoctions to fortify and prolong the life of newly installed kings. Live vultures are sacrificed to appease gods, revoke evil, curses and for treatment strange and incurable ailments such as stroke, infertility, mental sicknesses. The result from the study confirmed that high demand for vulture parts in traditional practice is one of the major drivers of vulture decline in Lagos state