Joseph Kobina Daniels
Vultures play an important role as scavengers in the ecosystem, especially in developing countries in Africa. However, vultures on the African continent are threatened due to several anthropogenic factors. They are often seen as ominous creatures associated with death and evil, leading to their persecution. Additionally, knowledge of the various species, the threats vultures face and their importance is limited. Many African governments also do not allocate funding for the conservation of species, including vultures. More needs to be done to promote vulture conservation, particularly in West Africa. This can include intensive awareness and education campaigns to help change negative perceptions of vultures and teach locals how they can contribute to vulture species conservation.
A juvenile hooded vulture on a nest placed at the fork of a tree in Cape Coast, Ghana. ©J.K. Daniels.
This project seeks to highlight the plight of vultures in Ghana, a region home to six species of vultures. Our focus will be on both small- and large-scale stakeholders. We aim to educate direct stakeholders around key vulture sites in the Cape Coast Metropolis and Greater Accra region, including communities living near roost and feeding sites identified through previous projects. Our large-scale target is the entire country, using traditional and new media campaigns to spread awareness and spark discussions.
We aim to raise awareness of the challenges facing vultures, debunk misconceptions, educate people on the critical role vultures play, and inform them of actions they can take, such as reporting egg harvesters to local authorities to support vulture conservation. Communities can act as sentinels to help deter perpetrators.
As part of our activities, we will observe International Vulture Awareness Day with two major events in both study areas: training 100 people, mostly school children, in Accra, and conducting a walk through the principal streets of Cape Coast during the traditional festival to engage locals on the importance of vultures. Several follow-up visits will ensure the project remains impactful and memorable for stakeholders over the long term.