A. Species
Scientific name: Necrosyrtes monachus
Common name(s): Hooded Vulture
Global IUCN Red List Threat Status: Critically Endangered
B. Location of use
Geographic location(s):
- Benin
Country/Region:
C. Scale of assessment
Scale of assessment: Sub-national / Sub-region / Sub-State
Name/Details of location: Atacora, Alibori, Borgou, Donga
D. Timescale of use
Start Year: 2019
End Year: 2019
E. Information about the use
How is the wild species sourced?: Wild species sourced from its natural habitat and Wild species sourced from significantly modified habitat
Type of use: Extractive
Practice of use: Hunting and/or Trapping of live terrestrial and aerial animals
Lethal or non-lethal: Lethal
Does this use involve take/extraction of: The whole entire organism
Purpose(s) of end use: Medicine and hygiene, Collection/display and Ceremony, religious, and ritual expression
Motivation of use: Income generation from trade (individual/household/community) and Traditional/Cultural/Spiritual
Is this use legal or illegal?: Illegal under national law
F. Information about the Users
Which stakeholder(s) does the record primarily focus on?: Local people and National / local government
G. Information about the sustainability of use
Is there evidence that the use is having an impact on the target species?: Wild species sourced from its natural habitat and Wild species sourced from significantly modified habitat
Has an assessment (or judgement) of sustainability of the use of the target species from an ecological perspective been recorded?: Yes, considered unsustainable
Details of assessment carried out: Empirical Evidence: The study's findings are based on empirical evidence from field surveys and road counts that demonstrate a significant decline in the Hooded Vulture population. Anecdotal Evidence: Interviews with local stakeholders, such as butchers, veterinarians, foresters, and abattoir watchmen, provide anecdotal evidence of the decrease in vulture sightings and the widespread practice of poaching for traditional uses. Personal Observations: The researchers' personal observations during the fieldwork, including witnessing traps and poaching activities, support the assessment of unsustainability. Predictive Models: The use of predictive models indicating the potential extirpation of Hooded Vultures within two decades if current threats are not mitigated.
Brief summary on why the use has been assessed/judged to be sustainable or unsustainable: The use of Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) in Northern Benin has been assessed as ecologically unsustainable due to the following reasons: Significant Population Decline: Field surveys and road counts have revealed a dramatic decrease in the Hooded Vulture population. Only 52 individuals were counted over a 1451 km area, indicating a near-extirpation from Northern Benin. Major Threats: The primary threats to Hooded Vultures include poaching for traditional medicine and belief-based practices, as well as decreasing food availability due to reduced access to animal carcasses and organs at abattoirs. These threats are significantly reducing the vulture population. Empirical and Anecdotal Evidence: Empirical data from fieldwork and anecdotal evidence from interviews with local stakeholders consistently show a decline in vulture sightings and an increase in poaching activities. Predictive Models: Predictive models suggest that if these threats are not mitigated, Hooded Vultures will be extirpated from Northern Benin outside protected areas within the next two decades. Lack of Sustainable Practices: Observations of ongoing poaching and lack of food resources indicate that current practices are not supporting the sustainability of the vulture population. These factors collectively demonstrate that the current exploitation and use of Hooded Vultures in Northern Benin are ecologically unsustainable.
Has an assessment (or judgement) of sustainability of the use of the target species from an economic perspective been recorded?: No, sustainability not determined
Has an assessment (or judgement) of sustainability of the use of the target species from a social perspective been recorded?: No, sustainability not determined
Has an assessment (or judgement) of sustainability of the use of the target species from a human health perspective been recorded?: No, sustainability not determined
Has an assessment (or judgement) of sustainability of the use of the target species from an animal health/welfare perspective been recorded?: Yes, considered unsustainable
Details of assessment carried out: Empirical Evidence: Data from field surveys and road counts showing a significant decline in the population. Anecdotal Evidence: Interviews with local stakeholders and observations at abattoirs revealing widespread poaching and decreased food availability. Personal Observations: Direct observations by researchers of traps, poaching activities, and the lack of food resources for vultures.
Brief summary on why the use has been assessed/judged to be sustainable or unsustainable: The use of Hooded Vultures has been judged to be unsustainable from an animal health and welfare perspective. The study highlights significant negative impacts on the vulture population due to poaching and decreasing food availability, which are critical threats to their health and survival.
Recommendations provided in the record to maintain or enhance the sustainability of the use of the target species
Yes, the record provides several recommendations to maintain or enhance the sustainability of the use of Hooded Vultures. These recommendations include: Awareness Campaigns: Focus on the legal protection of Hooded Vultures, highlighting sentences and fines for those who infringe on such legislation. Policy and Legislation Enforcement: Improve and enforce appropriate policies and legislation to ensure the safety of Hooded Vultures. Health Risk Awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns about the health risks associated with consuming meat considered unsuitable for humans, to increase food availability for Hooded Vultures. Regional Collaboration: Strengthen commitment, collaboration, and coordination between West African governments to ensure sustainable vulture conservation and develop a legal framework for their protection at a regional level. Action Plans: Compile and enact national and regional action plans for vulture conservation. Vulture Feeding Stations: Implement vulture feeding stations near abattoir sites, attended by guards to prevent poaching, and where veterinarians supply carcasses and organs unsuitable for human consumption to increase food availability for Hooded Vultures.
Record source
Information about the record source: scientific_pub, own_res_data_knowledge, indig_local_knowledge and expert_knowledge
Date of publication/issue/production: 2024-01-01T00:00:00+0000
Source Reference(s):
Date of record entry: 2024-08-06