Cultural significance and conservation challenges of the hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and other vulture species in northeastern Benin
Abstract Background West Africa remains the stronghold for Critically Endangered hooded vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) and other species of vulture, but these populations are declining. Since anthropogenic threats pose the greatest risks to vultures, it is crucial to understand people’s perceptions...
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-025-00806-z |
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| author | Fidèle Ezéchiel Koffi Hounnouvi Jemima Lydie Obandza-Ayessa Stanislas Mahussi Gandaho Lindy Jane Thompson |
| author_facet | Fidèle Ezéchiel Koffi Hounnouvi Jemima Lydie Obandza-Ayessa Stanislas Mahussi Gandaho Lindy Jane Thompson |
| author_sort | Fidèle Ezéchiel Koffi Hounnouvi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background West Africa remains the stronghold for Critically Endangered hooded vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) and other species of vulture, but these populations are declining. Since anthropogenic threats pose the greatest risks to vultures, it is crucial to understand people’s perceptions of these birds, and their ethno-cultural significance, in areas surrounding national parks to inform conservation policy through an understanding of cultural values and practices. Methods We used semi-structured interviews to collect data from 450 respondents in nine localities near three protected areas in northeastern Benin: Sota Forest, Trois Rivières Forest, and Alibori Supérieur Forest. Results The findings showed that 80% (n = 360) of participants had encountered vultures in the past three years, with the hooded vulture being the most frequently observed vulture species (98% of sightings). We found significant gender-based differences in people’s awareness and perceptions of vultures, with men demonstrating greater awareness and more positive perceptions of vultures’ roles in carcass disposal and locating missing livestock. Overall, 60% (n = 270) of respondents associated vultures with superstition and witchcraft. Most respondents (70%, n = 315) reported using vulture brains and bones for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Intentional poisoning was the most frequently reported cause of vulture population declines (70%, n = 315). Conservation measures suggested by survey respondents included the protection and restoration of critical nesting habitats (86%, n = 386, raising awareness about threats to vultures (84%, n = 378), equipping ecoguards to safeguard and monitor vulture nests (65%, n = 344), breeding vultures in captivity (60%, n = 270), and enforcing strict penalties for illegal vulture hunting (55%, n = 247). Younger adults (aged 18–30) showed significantly greater support for conservation efforts than older adults (aged > 30). Conclusion There is an urgent need for a multidimensional approach to vulture conservation in Benin. This approach should integrate awareness campaigns, population monitoring, better enforcement of environmental legislation, and improved habitat conservation to reverse the declines of these critical species. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9cac3beb3309463d8b1cf3425af0e592 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1746-4269 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
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| series | Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine |
| spelling | doaj-art-9cac3beb3309463d8b1cf3425af0e5922025-08-20T03:05:56ZengBMCJournal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine1746-42692025-07-0121111310.1186/s13002-025-00806-zCultural significance and conservation challenges of the hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and other vulture species in northeastern BeninFidèle Ezéchiel Koffi Hounnouvi0Jemima Lydie Obandza-Ayessa1Stanislas Mahussi Gandaho2Lindy Jane Thompson3University of Kinshasa, ERAIFTHigher Institute of Geographic, Environmental and Planning Sciences, Denis Sassou Nguesso UniversityUniversity of Kinshasa, ERAIFTCentre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Science, University of Kwazulu-NatalAbstract Background West Africa remains the stronghold for Critically Endangered hooded vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) and other species of vulture, but these populations are declining. Since anthropogenic threats pose the greatest risks to vultures, it is crucial to understand people’s perceptions of these birds, and their ethno-cultural significance, in areas surrounding national parks to inform conservation policy through an understanding of cultural values and practices. Methods We used semi-structured interviews to collect data from 450 respondents in nine localities near three protected areas in northeastern Benin: Sota Forest, Trois Rivières Forest, and Alibori Supérieur Forest. Results The findings showed that 80% (n = 360) of participants had encountered vultures in the past three years, with the hooded vulture being the most frequently observed vulture species (98% of sightings). We found significant gender-based differences in people’s awareness and perceptions of vultures, with men demonstrating greater awareness and more positive perceptions of vultures’ roles in carcass disposal and locating missing livestock. Overall, 60% (n = 270) of respondents associated vultures with superstition and witchcraft. Most respondents (70%, n = 315) reported using vulture brains and bones for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Intentional poisoning was the most frequently reported cause of vulture population declines (70%, n = 315). Conservation measures suggested by survey respondents included the protection and restoration of critical nesting habitats (86%, n = 386, raising awareness about threats to vultures (84%, n = 378), equipping ecoguards to safeguard and monitor vulture nests (65%, n = 344), breeding vultures in captivity (60%, n = 270), and enforcing strict penalties for illegal vulture hunting (55%, n = 247). Younger adults (aged 18–30) showed significantly greater support for conservation efforts than older adults (aged > 30). Conclusion There is an urgent need for a multidimensional approach to vulture conservation in Benin. This approach should integrate awareness campaigns, population monitoring, better enforcement of environmental legislation, and improved habitat conservation to reverse the declines of these critical species.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-025-00806-zVulturesEthno-ecologyBeninMagico-traditional medicineSota forestTrois rivieres forest |
| spellingShingle | Fidèle Ezéchiel Koffi Hounnouvi Jemima Lydie Obandza-Ayessa Stanislas Mahussi Gandaho Lindy Jane Thompson Cultural significance and conservation challenges of the hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and other vulture species in northeastern Benin Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine Vultures Ethno-ecology Benin Magico-traditional medicine Sota forest Trois rivieres forest |
| title | Cultural significance and conservation challenges of the hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and other vulture species in northeastern Benin |
| title_full | Cultural significance and conservation challenges of the hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and other vulture species in northeastern Benin |
| title_fullStr | Cultural significance and conservation challenges of the hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and other vulture species in northeastern Benin |
| title_full_unstemmed | Cultural significance and conservation challenges of the hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and other vulture species in northeastern Benin |
| title_short | Cultural significance and conservation challenges of the hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and other vulture species in northeastern Benin |
| title_sort | cultural significance and conservation challenges of the hooded vulture necrosyrtes monachus and other vulture species in northeastern benin |
| topic | Vultures Ethno-ecology Benin Magico-traditional medicine Sota forest Trois rivieres forest |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-025-00806-z |
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