Unveiling the Threat to Vulture Diversity: A Comprehensive Ethno-Ornithological Study Uncovers Regional Trade Effects in Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

In recent decades, African vulture populations have experienced a distressing decline, with certain species plummeting by over 90%. This decline can largely be attributed to various human-induced pressures. In West Africa, the trade of vultures for magico-traditional medicine stands out as a significant threat. However, there remains a dearth of knowledge regarding the extent and economic ramifications of poaching and its associated trade on the biodiversity of these raptors in Côte d'Ivoire. This study sets out to gauge the scope of vulture trade and trafficking in Côte d'Ivoire, as well as its national and subregional repercussions, while also scrutinizing the potential constraints such activity imposes on the biodiversity of these raptors. Ethno-ornithological investigations were conducted across 24 cities in Côte d'Ivoire, delving into the markets where various animals are showcased. The aim was to analyze the challenges stemming from the demand for vultures for magico-traditional medicinal purposes and to examine the economic values entwined with poaching and trading these vultures. The findings illuminate the existence of a network dedicated to poaching and trading vultures in Côte d'Ivoire, driven by robust demand and regularly supplied by local and regional sources from neighboring countries. Predominantly, the Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) emerges as the most frequently encountered species on the market. In response to this imminent threat, it is advocated that national and regional awareness campaigns be undertaken to bolster enforcement of pertinent wildlife protection laws, particularly concerning vultures. Furthermore, fostering enhanced cooperation among West African governments is advised to avert the extinction of these species.

Keywords: International Trade; West Africa; conservation; magico‐traditional medicine; scavengers; stalls.

FIGURE 1

Cities and the number of stalls visited by city throughout the study of Côte d'Ivoire.

FIGURE 2

Trade patterns and market dynamics of vulture species in Côte d'Ivoire. (A) Variation in the incidence rate of vulture species sold at market stalls; (B) Marketing circuit of vultures and their parts in Côte d'Ivoire.

FIGURE 3

Trade and origin of vultures species in the Ivorian Magico‐traditional medicine market. (A) Provision of vultures and their parts by merchants across varied locales within Côte d'Ivoire; (B) The provenance of vultures contributing to the Ivorian traditional magico‐traditional medicine market as per insights from interviewed stall owners. Values with different letters (a and b) are significantly different at p = 0.05.

FIGURE 4

Analysis of vulture species trade dynamics: turnover and temporal extent across regions. (A) Mean annual turnover of vultures and their parts per interviewed trader; B: Temporal Extent of Stalls Across Regions. Values with different letters (a, b, and c) are significantly different at p = 0.05.

FIGURE 5

Stalls showcasing diverse fauna and vulture specimens, alongside their respective groups, within a regional marketplace; and Vulture and their parts found in some local markets in Côte d'Ivoire. (A) Denotes booths exhibiting a spectrum of animal species, while B denotes booths featuring vultures and their kin in the local market setting. (C) Entire Hooded Vulture ( Necrosyrtes monachus ); (D) Heads of Hooded Vulture ( Necrosyrtes monachus ), White‐backed Vulture ( Gyps africanus ) and Lapped‐faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos); (E) Feathers of a Palm‐nut Vulture; (F) Some bones of vulture; (G) Legs of different vulture species.

FIGURE 6

Market dynamics and trade estimates of vultures species in Côte d'Ivoire. (A) Factors contributing to the persistent escalation in the market valuation of vultures and their components across diverse regions explored in Côte d'Ivoire; (B) Extrapolated number of vultures sold per year based on number of stalls.