In the town of Awka-Etiti, southeastern Nigeria, a man known as the Vulture King is working to protect vultures from extinction. Chukwuemeka Igwe, a volunteer with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), has earned the nickname through years of tireless work in a community where vultures are considered sacred. His efforts stand out in a region where vulture populations have collapsed across many West African cities.
A Sacred Forest and a Shrine
At the heart of Awka-Etiti lies a sacred forest surrounding a shrine dedicated to the deity Nguma. The site is a cluster of tall trees wrapped in thick greenery, with an ancient tree at its center that locals say has stood for hundreds of years. The tree remains the spiritual home of the shrine, and residents believe it protects the community.
Although the community is largely Christian, some residents continue to practice traditional beliefs in which vultures play a key role. Igwe told the BBC that locals do not hunt vultures. Instead, they sometimes offer fresh animal sacrifices at the shrine, which attract the birds.
"There is an adage we use here that says: 'When you put down a sacrifice and you do not see vultures, know that something happened in the spirit world,'" Igwe said. For residents, the presence of vultures at a sacrifice signals that the deity has accepted the offering and heard their appeals.
Vultures as Nature's Cleanup Crew
Vultures are essential to ecosystems because they consume carcasses and prevent the spread of disease. According to conservationists, without vultures, dead animals would rot longer, allowing bacteria and pathogens to multiply. This can contaminate water sources and threaten livestock and human health.
The birds face severe threats across Africa, particularly in West Africa. Hunting linked to traditional beliefs and spiritual practices has driven several vulture species to the brink of extinction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists multiple African vulture species as critically endangered or endangered.
Traditional Beliefs and Conservation
In many parts of Africa, vultures are associated with death and decay. Their scavenging habits and appearance have led to negative perceptions, and they are sometimes killed for use in traditional medicine or rituals. Conservationists say this hunting pressure, combined with habitat loss and poisoning, has caused drastic population declines.
However, in Awka-Etiti, the opposite is true. The shrine and the forest provide a safe haven for vultures, and the community's reverence for the birds offers a natural form of protection. Igwe's work with the NCF has helped raise awareness about the importance of vultures and the need to conserve them.
A Rare Success Story
Igwe, now in his 50s, says vultures have been part of daily life in the town for as long as he can remember. The birds walk around among humans, scavenging for food, and are considered a good omen when sacrifices are made. This positive relationship between people and vultures is rare in the region, according to conservationists.
The Nigeria Conservation Foundation has praised Igwe's volunteer efforts, which include educating residents about vulture conservation and monitoring the local population. The foundation says community-led initiatives like this are crucial for protecting endangered species, especially in areas where government enforcement is limited.
Challenges Remain
Despite the success in Awka-Etiti, vultures across the continent continue to face serious threats. Conservationists warn that hunting, poisoning, and habitat destruction are pushing several species toward extinction. In some regions, vultures are killed for their body parts, which are used in traditional beliefs or sold on black markets.
Experts say that protecting vultures requires a combination of legal enforcement, community engagement, and education. The example of Awka-Etiti shows that traditional beliefs, when aligned with conservation goals, can be a powerful tool for protecting wildlife.
What Comes Next
Conservation groups are working to expand the success seen in Awka-Etiti to other communities in Nigeria and West Africa. The NCF plans to continue supporting Igwe and other local volunteers, while also advocating for stronger protections for vulture habitats. The long-term survival of vultures in the region will depend on whether such efforts can be replicated elsewhere.