Status of birds of prey in Guinea-Bissau: first assessment based on road surveys

Henriques, Mohamed; Lecoq, Miguel; Monteiro, Hamilton Antônio de Oliveira; Regalla, Aissa; Granadeiro, José Pedro; Catry, Paulo

doi:10.2989/00306525.2017.1312584

Cited by 14 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…These include using the same observers, standardizing the search effort within and among transects (i.e. speed and duration), conducting the counts only during the most adequate periods of the year (during the dry season, when trees have fewer leaves; during the breeding season, when birds are more active and conspicuous) and of the day (counting only during the most stable pre and post-roost periods [ 43 ]), and conducting counts in the same weather conditions. Moreover, our transect method also allowed us to minimize the uncertainty related to habitat variation, since there are no known Hooded vulture roosts outside human settlements in Guinea-Bissau, and we used two different approaches for more and for less urbanised settlements.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The relative abundance of vultures in Guinea-Bissau was assessed using road surveys by car (1711 km of transects; see full methodological details in [ 43 ]). Using data from those surveys, we calculated encounter rates in each Sector (expressed as birds per 100 km of transect) for the most abundant Critically Endangered vulture species, which were used to give a portrait of the relative abundance of each target species in the country.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We conducted transect counts using a bicycle, between 7:00 and 8:20 and between 17:30 and 19:20, when most vultures were perched or foraging on the ground [ 43 ]. Sampling design was based on literature recommendations for line and strip transects [ 55 – 57 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We estimated the density of Hooded vultures (birds per km 2 ) as the number of individuals within 60 m (30 m on each side) of the transect, using the strip transect method [ 55 – 58 ] and then, extrapolated the number of birds for the area of each city (see details on strip width selection in S1). Since in the calculations we only accounted for perched birds, we applied a correction factor of 1.12 for Hooded vultures flying during low activity periods, based on daily activity pattern counts [ 43 ] (see details in SI1).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The West African region has been reported to have one of the highest vulture population decline rates in the continent [ 3 , 41 , 42 ]. A recent survey of the birds of prey of Guinea-Bissau [ 43 ] found a high relative abundance of Hooded Necrosyrtes monachus and African white-backed vultures Gyps africanus , but other than that virtually nothing is known on the numbers, distribution and threats of these Critically Endangered species in that country. Also, understanding the type and magnitude of the interactions between vultures and local human populations and perceptions about these species is critical to outline effective conservation strategies and thus maintain ecosystem services these species provide in some West African urban areas.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Not in wilderness: African vulture strongholds remain in areas with high human density

Henriques

Granadeiro

Monteiro³

et al. 2018

PLoS ONE

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Vultures constitute an important functional group in many ecosystems, providing crucial ecosystem services both in natural and humanized environments. These scavengers are facing massive declines worldwide, but in several African countries virtually nothing is known on populations’ status and threats, hampering the development of adequate conservation strategies. In Guinea-Bissau, globally important populations of Hooded Necrosyrtes monachus and African white-backed vultures Gyps africanus were recently reported. Using the country as a study area, we aim to characterize human-vulture interactions in West Africa applying a multidisciplinary approach. We assessed the status and distribution of vulture populations using data from 1711 km of roadside transects, examined predictors of their distribution, and produced a nationwide population estimate for the Hooded Vulture, using an innovative method based on the relationship between the size of human population in settlements and vulture numbers. We conducted 47 stakeholder interviews to assess perceived roles played by vultures, and to investigate potential anthropogenic threats. Hooded vultures were strongly associated with high human population densities, whereas no relation was found between African white-backed and Rüppell’s vultures and any of the tested predictors, which included cattle density, precipitation and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, among others. We estimate a national population of 43347 Hooded vultures, the largest population reported in the species range. Respondents were generally aware of the services provided by vultures, especially waste and carcass removal, including in urban areas. Hunting for witchcraft and traditional medicine was the most frequently recognised threat, while poisoning was ranked as having the highest impact. We hypothesise that poisoning-related mortality may be affecting African white-backed and Rüppell’s vultures’ distribution and explain their scarcity in apparently highly suitable habitats. Our results suggest a mutualistic rather than a commensalistic relationship between vultures and humans, with important implications for designing and implementing conservation strategies.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Not in wilderness: African vulture strongholds remain in areas with high human density

Henriques

Granadeiro

Monteiro³

et al. 2018

PLoS ONE

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Hooded Vultures Necrosyrtes monachus are at risk of extinction in Benin: A result of poaching for belief‐based use and decreasing food availability

Daboné,

Adjakpa,

Dansi

et al. 2024

Ecology and Evolution

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In recent years, Hooded Vulture populations in West Africa have decreased substantially. However, in some areas within this region, the species is still relatively abundant. To find out more about the situation in West Africa, we assessed the status of Hooded Vultures in Benin, one of the countries where their status is not well known. We conducted road counts on paved and unpaved roads and along small trails over a total of 1451 km. We also conducted interviews with local abattoir watchmen, veterinarians, butchers and foresters to examine potential threats to this species. A total of 52 Hooded Vultures were counted mostly in the departments of Atacora (32) but also in Alibori (10) and Borgou (10). The relative abundance was four Hooded Vultures per 100 km, highlighting the near extirpation of this bird from Benin. A total of 49 interviews revealed that poaching for belief‐based use (through shooting and traps) and decreasing food availability remain the most important threats for Hooded Vultures in northern Benin. If these threats are not mitigated, we predict the extirpation of the Hooded Vulture outside protected areas in Benin within the next two decades, possibly even sooner. Conservation measures, including awareness campaigns, and the improvement and enforcement of environmental legislation, must be urgently implemented to improve the protection of this Critically Endangered vulture species.

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Conservation and Ecology of African Raptors

et al. 2018

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Status of birds of prey in Guinea-Bissau: first assessment based on road surveys

Cited by 14 publications

References 33 publications

Not in wilderness: African vulture strongholds remain in areas with high human density

Not in wilderness: African vulture strongholds remain in areas with high human density

Hooded Vultures Necrosyrtes monachus are at risk of extinction in Benin: A result of poaching for belief‐based use and decreasing food availability

Conservation and Ecology of African Raptors

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