Vultures are declining sharply in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa, driven by hunting associated with traditional beliefs, poisoning, habitat loss and urban expansion. Conservationists warn that their disappearance matters because vultures rapidly remove animal carcasses, limiting the spread of potentially dangerous diseases such as anthrax and rabies.

In Awka-Etiti, south-eastern Nigeria, a sacred forest around the Nguma shrine offers unusual protection for vultures, which local people regard as a positive spiritual sign. Volunteer conservationist Chukwuemeka Igwe, known locally as the “Vulture King”, works with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation to protect them; BirdLife International estimates poisoning causes about 60% of vulture deaths in Africa, while seven Cape vulture types face extinction.