Human perceptions, ecological role and threats to the hooded vultures (𝘕𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘺𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘴) in the Gambia : conservation implications

Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) are critically endangered urban scavengers that are declining rapidly across West Africa due to poisoning, habitat destruction, and belief-based exploitation. In cities and towns, they provide vital ecosystem services by removing organic waste, limiting pest outbreaks, and reducing disease risks. Despite their importance, their populations and habitats remain undervalued and insufficiently protected in many regions, including The Gambia. Conservation planning is further constrained by limited quantitative information on (i) belief-based use of vultures, (ii) the influence of organic waste availability on scavenger community composition at slaughterhouses, and (iii) local perceptions and attitudes toward vulture conservation. This thesis assesses ecosystem services provided by Hooded Vultures in The Gambia, focusing on their role in urban organic waste removal, while identifying threats and proposing strategies for effective conservation. Specifically, it (1) investigates belief-based use of vultures in West Africa, (2) maps suitable habitats in The Gambia, (3) evaluates how organic waste availability shapes scavenger communities and interactions at slaughterhouses, and (4) examines community perceptions and perceived threats. A systematic review of 92 studies demonstrates that belief-based use is a major driver of vulture mortality in West Africa, contributing up to 29% of documented deaths, with Hooded Vultures disproportionately affected and comprising over 90% of trafficked parts in some areas. Poisoning, both intentional and accidental, is the primary method of killing, and increasing demand has raised the cost of vulture parts, further incentivizing exploitation. Habitat suitability modeling using MaxEnt and road surveys (791 km, 2017–2021) indicates that only 11.6% of The Gambia represents highly suitable habitat, concentrated mainly in the western region and Greater Banjul, where food resources associated with human settlements are abundant. Built-up area density, proximity to roads, and water availability explain most variation in occurrence. Surveys of five slaughterhouses reveal that Hooded Vultures dominate where organic waste is highest, confirming their ecological role, although domestic dogs frequently outcompete them during direct interactions. Finally, questionnaires from 200 respondents show predominantly positive attitudes (74%) and recognition of the species’ benefits, while highlighting poisoning, habitat loss, and belief-based use as key threats and revealing limited awareness of conservation initiatives. Overall, conserving Hooded Vultures in The Gambia requires integrated actions combining habitat protection, waste management, poisoning prevention, and community engagement to safeguard both biodiversity and essential ecosystem services.