NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan Government has initiated an ambitious action plan to save the African vultures facing significant threats, with seven out of the eleven species at risk of extinction.
Prof. Charles Musyoki, Director of Wildlife and Community Service at Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), officially launched the Vulture Multi-Species Action Plan (2024-2034) in a recent virtual event.
This release led to International Vultures Awareness Day (IVAD), observed on September 7, 2024.
This plan’s formulation aligns with Section 49 of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, which mandates that KWS collaborate with stakeholders in developing species action plans.
In his address, Prof. Musyoki highlighted vultures’ essential role in Kenya’s ecosystems and stressed the importance of international cooperation in conserving these migratory birds.
“Vultures are listed as species of concern by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Animals (CMS) and are covered under the raptors Memorandum of Understanding (MoU),” Prof. Musyoki said.
What’s required to implement the 10-year-action plan
Prof. Musyoki observed that conservation and management efforts are needed at the local, national, and global levels to ensure their long-term survival.
The environmentalist further emphasised the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration involving governments, NGOs, communities, and international organisations to successfully implement the action plan.
Y News has established that the 10-year plan sets clear objectives for restoring and conserving eight vulture species in Kenya.
Representatives from the Peregrine Fund, National Museums of Kenya, Nature Kenya, and senior staff from KWS were among the panellists at the event.
Kenya is home to eight species of African vultures: White-headed Vulture, Ruppell’s Vulture, White-backed Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Bearded Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Palm-nut Vulture, Hooded Vulture.
Where can the African vultures be found in Kenya
These vultures can be found in open savannas, grasslands, forested, mountainous, and coastal regions.
Some species, like the Egyptian and Hooded Vulture, can also be found in urban areas, proving their resilience and importance in wild and urban environments.
Y News understands that vultures are nature’s clean-up crew. They patrol the skies to keep our landscapes clean by swiftly clearing up dead animals, thus reducing the risk of disease transmission.
They also contribute to nutrient cycling, returning essential elements to the soil.
Additionally, vultures contribute to Kenya’s economy through avian tourism as part of the diverse wildlife that attracts tourists worldwide.
Why the African vultures on the brink of extinction
Despite their importance, many African vulture species are declining alarmingly.
Poisoning, habitat degradation and loss, collisions with energy infrastructure and electrocution from energy distribution power lines threaten their survival.
However, environmentalists argue that conservation efforts for Kenyan vultures are ongoing but require more support.
Measures include anti-poisoning campaigns, education programs for local communities, and establishing vulture rescue and rehabilitation centres.
Others include enhanced research and monitoring of vulture populations, protection of nesting sites, and enhanced multi-stakeholder collaboration locally and internationally.
