ABSTRACT

The study aimed to assess the occurrence, forage activities and threats to Hooded Vultures (Necrosytes monachus) in selected areas in Umuahia, Abia State. The objectives ofthis study was to assess the attitude and perception ofthe people around the study area toward Hooded vultures and ascertain the forage activities and threat to hooded vulture in the study area.. Survey was conducted at different sites. Fieldwork was conducted by the researcher which will consist of opportunistic observations of Hooded Vultures at the study areas. Questionnaires was used to collect quantitative or qualitative information from the respondents. Random sampling techniques was used to determine a sample size of 60 respondents. The study population comprised ofmarket traders in different locations like Abattoirs, Market dumpsites and markets. Data from this study was generated from questionnaire administration. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS statistical package. The survey was done at three different locations which are Amuzukwu (abattoir), Orie ugba (Market) and Ubakala (abattoir) within the period of 3 months. It was observed that 56 hooded vultures were found in Amuzukwu (abattoir). The survey done at Orie Ugba, no hooded vulture was sighted for the period of 1 month during the survey and at Ubakala (abattoir) no Hooded vulture were sighted too. The result revealed that most respondents agreed that hooded vulture signify bad omen, tools for performing ritual by traditionalist and that hooded vulture species kills livestock. Respondents within the study area also agreed that hooded vulture has a cleaning role by eating dead animals, hooded vultures are like every other birds and hooded vultures play a significant ecological role as nature’s garbage disposers, thus helping to keep the ecosystem healthy and clean. The result also showed that vulture were important in preventing the spread of diseases among other types of wild animals, kill livestock (e.g. rabbit and chicken; and cleaning role by eating dead animals. According to the findings, the respondents had negative attitudes toward the hooded vultures, therefore, as long as the people continue to perceive hooded vultures negatively, they will continue to persecute them which, in turn, adversely affect their population. However, unless education and awareness are initiated, this knowledge is likely to disappear because ofthe rate of diversification in the area.