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

Vultures are vanishing in Nigeria, but a man known as the 'Vulture King' is dedicated to reversing this trend.

While some perceive these birds as ominous, they play a crucial role in the natural ecosystem. "People fear the environment where the shrine is. No evil will ever happen here. So, nobody fights vultures that perch here," the man dubbed the Vulture King told the BBC.

Often linked with death and decay, it's perhaps unsurprising that when vultures disappeared from the skies over many West African cities, their absence went unnoticed. However, their continent-wide decline is now undeniable, as conservationists warn that hunting, driven by traditional beliefs and spiritual practices, continues to push several vulture species toward near extinction. Without vultures, ecosystems would lose a natural defense against the spread of disease.

Fortunately, one community in southeastern Nigeria is defying this trend. Awka-Etiti is home to a sacred forest surrounding a shrine dedicated to a deity named Nguma. At first glance, the site appears to be an ordinary cluster of tall trees enveloped in dense foliage. Yet, at its core stands an ancient tree that locals believe has watched over the community for centuries and remains the spiritual heart of the shrine.

Though predominantly a Christian community, some residents still observe traditional practices where vultures are central. Local resident Chukwuemeka Igwe, nicknamed the King of Vultures for his tireless volunteer work with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), states that "the indigenous don't hunt vultures." Instead, he explains, locals sometimes offer fresh animal sacrifices at the shrine, which attract the birds. "And there is an adage we use here that says: 'When you put down a sacrifice and you do not see vulture[s], know that something happened in the spirit world'." This means vultures are considered a good omen after a sacrifice, as their presence suggests the deity has accepted the offering and heard the residents' plea.

Chukwuemeka Igwe, now in his 50s, is proud of his nickname. He says the birds have been a constant presence in the town for as long as he can remember, walking among people and scavenging for food.

However, for many who venture into the wild elsewhere in Africa, vultures rarely capture their attention. We seldom pause to admire or photograph them. In the eyes of many, vultures are simply ugly. Yet, scientists assert they provide one of nature's most vital cleaning services. Vultures consume dead animals within hours, preventing carcasses from becoming breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria and diseases. Their disappearance can have severe consequences, according to NCF conservation biologist Stella Egbe: "In places where the total collapse of vultures has happened, there has been impact of rising zoonotic diseases." Vultures' powerful stomach acids enable them to safely consume infected animals, helping to halt the spread of diseases like anthrax and rabies. Without vultures, experts warn, ecosystems lose a natural defense system.

Rapid urban growth across Africa has also contributed, transforming landscapes and destroying many of the tall trees where these birds nest. The Cape Vulture is one of seven species facing extinction.

Habitat loss is far from the only factor. Poisoning accounts for an estimated 60% of vulture deaths in Africa, according to BirdLife International. These issues will be a priority when researchers from across the region convene in Abuja later this year to review the West African Vulture Conservation Action Plan, drafted in 2022.

Experts say the use of vultures and their body parts in traditional medicine and Vodun (also known as Voodoo) has emerged as a significant driver of their decline, particularly in West and Southern Africa. Dead adult vultures in Nigeria, which once sold for approximately 25,000 to 30,000 naira ($18 to $22; £13 to £16) each, can now fetch up to 200,000 naira ($145; £107) per bird, Egbe notes. Vulture eggs and nests are also increasingly targeted, a "catastrophic" and "shocking" development for such a slow-breeding species, Egbe adds. Adult vultures typically reach sexual maturity between five and seven years of age, producing only one chick every one to two years. Furthermore, many young vultures do not survive their first year. "And so you imagine what will happen if a nest is removed and eggs are removed. That means a pair of vultures will not have a next generation for that year. So in addition to hunting, you're removing their habitat, you're removing their homes," she explains.

Seven species of vultures in Africa are now classified as globally Endangered or Critically Endangered by BirdLife International, the authority for birds on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. A recent BirdLife report indicates that African vulture populations have plummeted by 80% to 97% over a 50-year period. The group also reported that in January 2020, over 2,000 hooded vultures were found dead in Guinea-Bissau, many decapitated—a sign of belief-based practices rather than natural causes, researchers suggest.

As vulture populations continue to decline across the region, conservationists have sought communities where these birds are not hunted, feared, or exploited. They found such an example in Awka-Etiti.

However, Igwe says that in recent years, he and other residents grew concerned as outsiders began hunting the birds, causing vulture numbers to dwindle. In his mission to save the birds, he visits markets, buses, and public spaces to spread awareness: "I tell them that vulture is helpful to human life." He states he "cannot run away" from his unusual nickname, Ezeudene, or the King of Vulture. "I'm fighting to make nature exist the way it's supposed to be."

Working with the NCF for the past six years, Igwe has mobilized community leaders, local groups, and security teams to protect the birds from outside hunters, with local bylaws now formalizing their protection. Local volunteers monitoring the birds report recording over 160 vultures, a significant increase from about 20 recorded in 2017.

Nigeria has become a major hub for the illegal trade of vultures, conservationists say, partly due to its biodiversity and porous borders. "We are doing everything possible to make sure that the smuggling of items, including vultures, including donkeys, and other species outside the country is suppressed to the barest minimum," insists Abdullahi Maiwada, a spokesman for the Nigerian Customs Service. He states that customs officials have carried out seizures of protected wildlife and supported prosecutions related to illegal trafficking. This exemplifies Nigeria's efforts to uphold its commitments as a member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites), which prohibits the cross-border trade of endangered species.

However, Maiwada admits to the BBC that enforcement alone is insufficient; education will also be crucial. "We may not be able to do it without the cooperation or understanding of members of the community," he continues. "If people understand why these species should be preserved, then our enforcement will only be complementary to those who decide to be recalcitrant." This message has been central to conservation efforts in Awka-Etiti and across parts of Nigeria.

Although reliable population data remains limited, conservationists note encouraging signs in Awka-Etiti, with local engagement helping residents remain vigilant against outside hunters. "The missing vultures are almost back. If you go to the marketplace now, you see vultures. At one time they disappeared, but now they are coming back," Igwe confirms.

Egbe believes that this small, southeastern town demonstrates what is possible when communities lead conservation efforts. "What we've done in Awka-Etiti is one very good example of a success story where people have taken charge of what's going on in their environment. That makes us happy." For Igwe, every returning bird represents hope. But with populations still collapsing across Africa, he knows protecting them will require much more than one community.