Cultural significance and conservation challenges of the hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) and other vulture species in northeastern Benin.

IF 3.7 2区 医学 Q1 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Fidèle Ezéchiel Koffi Hounnouvi, Jemima Lydie Obandza-Ayessa, Stanislas Mahussi Gandaho, Lindy Jane Thompson
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: West Africa remains the stronghold for Critically Endangered hooded vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) and other species of vulture, but these populations are declining. Since anthropogenic threats pose the greatest risks to vultures, it is crucial to understand people's perceptions of these birds, and their ethno-cultural significance, in areas surrounding national parks to inform conservation policy through an understanding of cultural values and practices.

Methods: We used semi-structured interviews to collect data from 450 respondents in nine localities near three protected areas in northeastern Benin: Sota Forest, Trois Rivières Forest, and Alibori Supérieur Forest.

Results: The findings showed that 80% (n = 360) of participants had encountered vultures in the past three years, with the hooded vulture being the most frequently observed vulture species (98% of sightings). We found significant gender-based differences in people's awareness and perceptions of vultures, with men demonstrating greater awareness and more positive perceptions of vultures' roles in carcass disposal and locating missing livestock. Overall, 60% (n = 270) of respondents associated vultures with superstition and witchcraft. Most respondents (70%, n = 315) reported using vulture brains and bones for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Intentional poisoning was the most frequently reported cause of vulture population declines (70%, n = 315). Conservation measures suggested by survey respondents included the protection and restoration of critical nesting habitats (86%, n = 386, raising awareness about threats to vultures (84%, n = 378), equipping ecoguards to safeguard and monitor vulture nests (65%, n = 344), breeding vultures in captivity (60%, n = 270), and enforcing strict penalties for illegal vulture hunting (55%, n = 247). Younger adults (aged 18-30) showed significantly greater support for conservation efforts than older adults (aged > 30).

Conclusion: There is an urgent need for a multidimensional approach to vulture conservation in Benin. This approach should integrate awareness campaigns, population monitoring, better enforcement of environmental legislation, and improved habitat conservation to reverse the declines of these critical species.

Abstract Image

Abstract Image

Abstract Image

贝宁东北部连帽秃鹫(Necrosyrtes monachus)和其他秃鹫物种的文化意义和保护挑战。
背景:西非仍然是极度濒危秃鹫(necrosytes monachus)和其他秃鹫物种的大本营,但这些物种的数量正在下降。由于人为威胁对秃鹫构成了最大的威胁,了解人们对秃鹫的看法及其民族文化意义至关重要,在国家公园周围地区,通过了解文化价值和习俗,为保护政策提供信息。方法:采用半结构化访谈的方法,在贝宁东北部三个保护区(Sota森林、Trois rivi森林和Alibori supsamririeur森林)附近的9个地点收集450名受访者的数据。结果:调查结果显示,80% (n = 360)的参与者在过去三年中遇到过秃鹫,其中连帽秃鹫是最常见的秃鹫物种(98%的目击)。我们发现,人们对秃鹫的认识和看法存在显著的性别差异,男性对秃鹫在处理尸体和寻找失踪牲畜方面的作用表现出更强的认识和更积极的看法。总体而言,60% (n = 270)的受访者将秃鹫与迷信和巫术联系在一起。大多数受访者(70%,n = 315)报告说,将秃鹫的大脑和骨头用于精神和医疗目的。故意中毒是秃鹫数量下降最常见的原因(70%,n = 315)。受访者建议的保护措施包括保护和恢复关键的筑巢栖息地(86%,n = 386),提高对秃鹫威胁的认识(84%,n = 378),配备生态保护人员保护和监测秃鹫巢穴(65%,n = 344),圈养秃鹫(60%,n = 270),以及对非法狩猎秃鹫进行严厉惩罚(55%,n = 247)。年轻人(18-30岁)比老年人(50 -30岁)更支持保护工作。结论:贝宁迫切需要建立一种多维度的秃鹫保护方法。这种方法应结合提高认识运动、人口监测、更好地执行环境立法和改善栖息地保护,以扭转这些关键物种的减少。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
7.30
自引率
16.70%
发文量
66
审稿时长
>12 weeks
期刊介绍: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine publishes original research focusing on cultural perceptions of nature and of human and animal health. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine invites research articles, reviews and commentaries concerning the investigations of the inextricable links between human societies and nature, food, and health. Specifically, the journal covers the following topics: ethnobotany, ethnomycology, ethnozoology, ethnoecology (including ethnopedology), ethnogastronomy, ethnomedicine, ethnoveterinary, as well as all related areas in environmental, nutritional, and medical anthropology. Research focusing on the implications that the inclusion of humanistic, cultural, and social dimensions have in understanding the biological word is also welcome, as well as its potential projections in public health-centred, nutritional, and environmental policies.
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