Cultural attitudes and human pressure towards vultures around the Comoé National Park, Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa)

Abstract

Background: Populations of vultures in Africa have experienced a rapid decline over recent decades, with some species suffering losses of more than 90%. Various forms of human pressures have been identified as the causes of this decline. However, very little is known about the complex interaction between cultural practises, traditional medicine and the vultures' natural environment. The purpose of this study was to analyse human pressures on vultures in relation with cultural attitudes such as their demand for magico-traditional medicine in Côte d'Ivoire, around the Comoé National Park (CNP), one of the last major refuges of these organisms in West Africa.

Methods: Eleven surrounding villages were visited to carry out ethno-ornithology surveys. One hundred and ten people were interviewed, at a rate of ten people per village, using a semi-structured questionnaire and informal discussions.

Results: The findings showed that vultures are still being seen both in and around the CNP. The most common species indicated to be observed and indicated by the interviewees were the Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and the White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis). Nevertheless, 98.2% of the interviewees indicated having observed a decrease in the abundance of vultures over the last few years in the study area, as well as a decline in the number of sightings of these organisms. Interviewees attributed this scarcity of vultures to (1) the limited availability of food resources, (2) pesticide and tobacco poisoning, (3) hunting, (4) rapid population growth, (5) annual bushfires and (6) habitat loss. The uses of the vulture or parts of vultures by the populations surrounding the CNP (traditional medicine, mystic practises, consumption as food, cultural heritage) were also highlighted as real threats to these organisms. And the vulture parts commonly used in this area are: feathers, legs, head, heart, stomach, brain and excrement. The Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) appears to be the most sought-after species and the most widely used for these practises in the study area.

Conclusion: Appropriate conservation and communication initiatives are required to ensure the survival of these raptors, crucial for ecosystem well-being, while also ensuring a respect of cultural practises.

Keywords: Comoé National Park; Côte d’Ivoire; Ethno-ornithology; Magico-traditional medicine; Vultures.

Fig. 1

Villages on the periphery of the Comoé National Park visited during the study

Fig. 2

A. A. Asso interviewing villagers, Gangane 19 Mai 2021

Fig. 3

Respondents’ claimed knowledge of vulture species. A single respondent can indicate several species

Fig. 4

Categorial frequencies of vulture observations according to the respondents

Fig. 5

Reasons for the decline of vulture numbers according to the respondents

Fig. 6

Picture of the five species of vulture used. A Palm-nut Vulture; B Lappet-faced Vulture; C White-backed Vulture; D White-headed Vulture; E Hooded Vulture

Fig. 7

Use categories of vultures according to the uses mentioned by the respondents

Fig. 8

Species-specific use values for the different use categories

Fig. 9

Species-specific consensus factors for the different use categories

Fig. 10

The species of vultures mostly used in traditional medicine according to the respondents

Fig. 11

Use of different vultures organs according to respondents

Fig. 12

Attitude of the respondents towards vultures