A groundbreaking report by BirdLife International has revealed the staggering economic value of vultures in Southern Africa—an astonishing $1.8 billion per year in ecosystem services. Yet, these vital scavengers are on the brink of extinction, and their disappearance could come at an even greater cost.
Vultures play an irreplaceable role in the environment by disposing of carcasses that would otherwise rot and spread disease. Africa is home to 11 species of vultures, but tragically, seven are now classified as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered. Populations have plummeted by up to 97% in the last 50 years, with some species suffering a 92% decline.
The primary culprits? Poisoning (61% of vulture deaths), belief-based killings (29%), and electrocution from energy infrastructure (9%). In 2019, the horrific mass poisoning of over 500 Critically Endangered vultures in Botswana sent shockwaves through conservation communities.
The devastating vulture collapse in Asia during the 1990s, caused by diclofenac poisoning, left a wake of uncollected carcasses, leading to a boom in feral dogs and increased disease transmission to humans. Could Africa be heading down the same deadly path?
The Price of Ignoring Vultures
Beyond their environmental role, vultures contribute to the economy in surprising ways. The BirdLife International report, which focused on Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, highlighted that vultures provide services such as:
- Sanitation and pest control
- Boosting eco-tourism
Failure to act could result in an estimated $47 million per year in welfare losses, while conservation efforts could bring $30 million in welfare gains annually.
A Call to Action
Matthew Lewis, Head of Conservation, Africa at BirdLife International, emphasizes the urgency:
“The decline of vulture populations across the continent is alarming. This study proves their immense value, and we must act now.”
Meanwhile, BirdLife Zimbabwe’s Leeroy Moyo sees this as a chance to influence policy and raise awareness, ensuring vultures remain protected under national conservation strategies.
BirdWatch Zambia’s Mary Malasa echoed this sentiment: “Quantifying vultures’ role as nature’s cleanup crew strengthens our fight for their survival.”
Bottom Line
BirdLife and its partners are using this report to push for stronger conservation efforts, working with governments, NGOs, and local communities to combat poisoning, habitat destruction, and illegal trade.
But will it be enough? The clock is ticking. If Africa loses its vultures, the real cost might be far greater than $1.8 billion—it could be an environmental catastrophe waiting to happen.
- Article Source: BirdLife International
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