No one loves a vulture: Conservationists are trying to change the notion
Conservationists in Africa are trying to save the endangered vultures, which are neglected because of their image. They are usually associated with death, and are among the least loved animals in the world.Vultures are the scavengers of the ecosystem. They help in saving ecosystem worth $1.8 billion a year in some parts of Southern Africa, according to the report released by BirdLife International conservation.advertisement'They are not up there on the pretty scale. And they are not popular. But we know they are very useful,' Fadzai Matsvimbo, an extinction prevention coordinator at BirdLife International told the Associated Press.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, six of the 11 vulture species found on the African continent are listed as endangered or critically endangered. And even some species have declined by 90%.The research focused on Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe and revealed the role of vultures in cleaning up the ecosystems, reducing the chance of disease spreading and the presence of pests like rats and feral dogs, which has great benefits for communities.
Vultures are the scavengers of the ecosystem. (Photo: Getty)
advertisementThe anatomy of vultures – the strong acidic stomach - prevents them from contracting food poisoning from any microorganisms.Even in India over the last 30 years, there has been a drastic loss of vultures. Half a million people died from the spread of bacteria and infections in the absence of vultures last year.Matsvimbo said vultures in Africa are also used as 'sentinels' by game rangers because they are often the first to spot a dead animal and can lead rangers to where poachers might be active. They have even proven useful in helping farmers locate dead or injured livestock.Hundreds of vultures can die from a single poisoned carcass, as they feed on carrion – dead animals. Collisions with power lines in Africa are also one of the reasons for their death, apart from belief-based reasons.'Our work is to change the mindsets of people,' Wolter said. 'For them to see vultures and think, wow, that is amazing.'The researchers also mentioned the role played by moviemakers in depicting vultures. 'I love watching 'The Lion King,' but every time they do the vulture part, my heart breaks,' said Matsvimbo.'Vultures are never portrayed positively. I have a bone to chew with these moviemakers. Or should that be bone to pick?'Rather than stigmatising vultures, understanding their role in nature conservation can benefit all living organisms, including humans, immensely.Must Watch
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