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<p>Vultures are experiencing alarming population declines globally, with Africa, particularly Nigeria, emerging as a critical concern. This study assessed the distribution, abundance, and ecological correlates of vulture presence across Nigeria’s six geo-ecological zones using field surveys conducted between 2023 and 2025 at 30 sites, including abattoirs, dumpsites, markets, and areas near reserves. Vulture counts and species identification were conducted alongside the collection of environmental and anthropogenic variables, including temperature, altitude, and human population density. Only two species were recorded, the Hooded Vulture (<i>Necrosyrtes monachus</i>) and the Palm-nut Vulture (<i>Gypohierax angolensis</i>), with Hooded Vultures overwhelmingly dominant. Overall abundance was critically low, with apparent local extirpation in Kano (north–west) and Ekiti (south–west) States, and a documented decline of over 90% in Plateau State (north–central) when compared with counts from 2017. In contrast, Cross River State (south–south) emerged as a key regional stronghold. Statistical analyses revealed significant variation in vulture abundance across Nigeria’s six geo-ecological zones (<i>χ</i><sup>2</sup> = 23.30,&#xa0;<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), with the south–south zone supporting significantly higher counts than several other zones. Although seasonal and human-density patterns were biologically suggestive, these effects were not consistently statistically significant, likely reflecting extremely low overall abundance and limited statistical power. This study highlights a severe national collapse in vulture populations shaped by interacting ecological, anthropogenic, and cultural factors. Urgent, coordinated conservation actions are required, including protection of remnant populations, community engagement, improved waste management around urban food sources, and strengthened enforcement of Nigeria’s commitments under international wildlife treaties. Sustained monitoring and investment in vulture-safe landscapes are essential to prevent further local extirpation and associated ecological disruption.</p>

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Nigeria's vulture crisis: scarcity, collapse, and strongholds in a multi-regional assessment

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月11日

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  • Michael Manja Williams,
  • Joe T. Orsar,
  • Michael I. Iwar,
  • Ulf Ottosson

摘要

Vultures are experiencing alarming population declines globally, with Africa, particularly Nigeria, emerging as a critical concern. This study assessed the distribution, abundance, and ecological correlates of vulture presence across Nigeria’s six geo-ecological zones using field surveys conducted between 2023 and 2025 at 30 sites, including abattoirs, dumpsites, markets, and areas near reserves. Vulture counts and species identification were conducted alongside the collection of environmental and anthropogenic variables, including temperature, altitude, and human population density. Only two species were recorded, the Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and the Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis), with Hooded Vultures overwhelmingly dominant. Overall abundance was critically low, with apparent local extirpation in Kano (north–west) and Ekiti (south–west) States, and a documented decline of over 90% in Plateau State (north–central) when compared with counts from 2017. In contrast, Cross River State (south–south) emerged as a key regional stronghold. Statistical analyses revealed significant variation in vulture abundance across Nigeria’s six geo-ecological zones (χ2 = 23.30, p < 0.001), with the south–south zone supporting significantly higher counts than several other zones. Although seasonal and human-density patterns were biologically suggestive, these effects were not consistently statistically significant, likely reflecting extremely low overall abundance and limited statistical power. This study highlights a severe national collapse in vulture populations shaped by interacting ecological, anthropogenic, and cultural factors. Urgent, coordinated conservation actions are required, including protection of remnant populations, community engagement, improved waste management around urban food sources, and strengthened enforcement of Nigeria’s commitments under international wildlife treaties. Sustained monitoring and investment in vulture-safe landscapes are essential to prevent further local extirpation and associated ecological disruption.