Evidences of Vulture Existence: Exploring the Awe of Conservation in Cross River State, Nigeria

The journey to Calabar, the state capital, in the company of an experienced field assistant Eyos Kevin, who’s not only also an expert but a conservation biologist with field passion, was an experience in itself. The city, almost buried in lush greenery, is a blessing rooted in the surrounding forests. Reminiscent of Accra, Ghana, in its physical appearance and serene nature, Calabar holds even more wonders of an old city in Nigeria. There, vultures have found sanctuary. We’ve observed these majestic birds thriving in abundance across various locales. Their presence is a testament to the local beliefs that regard the capture or harm of a vulture as a punishable act. Such convictions have led to the protection of these creatures, with vulture hunters facing the swift justice of local vigilantes or law enforcement.

That’s to say, the sighting and discoveries of many vultures, also led us to one of the remarkable findings, which was the reverence for vultures within the local communities. Contrary to the common perception of these birds as witches or meat or gem of traditional medicine, the people of Cross River State have a deep-rooted belief that harming a vulture is a grave offense. Local vigilantes have been known to arrest, and in some cases, even beat individuals caught attempting to hunt these majestic creatures. The communities firmly believe that anyone who tries to kill a vulture is seeking to invoke serious problems upon the community. This cultural belief has effectively made the people of Cross River State the unsung guardians of the meek, patient, and yet crucial vulture population.

I cannot express how delighted I am to have witnessed the positive coexistence between the people and the vultures, a relationship built on respect and conservation. This is a model that I believe should be shared and emulated across communities, as we strive to protect these important avian species.

This is the latest chapter in our research, a narrative I am eager to share with you all. Join us as we celebrate the sanitation crews, the vultures of Cross River State. Stay with me, as we expand the research on the evidences of vulture existence across Nigeria.

Hooded Vulture aggressively chased pied crow away for trying to snatch from its regurgitates

Hooded Vulture scanning around from a rooftop

Hooded Vulture suspecting an approaching pied crow

Hot Weather: Two Hooded Vultures Hiding in the trees to Avoid heat stress

Michael Manja and Kevin Eyos researching on Vultures in an urban setting

Hooded Vultures in Flight

Hooded Vulture eating regurgitate and pied crows trying to eat some too

The Beauty of Kano also Revealed the Nightmare of Vultures: Only dead and Caged vultures found

Traveling 679 km in a car took me 13 hours from Jalingo to Kano. When one entered Kano State, they saw that, in addition to the pleasant weather and friendly interactions between people, there was a thriving business community. I was reminded of my elementary school English textbook stories, “Kano tonight, Kano, tonight, Kano tonight!!!” while taking a stroll through the historic cities of Kano. “Dan Asabe the torch trader” was another thing I instantly remembered. I was able to identify and enjoy the picture of the ancient Kano city that was included in the book. The majority of the areas in Kano are hundreds of years old and have not been altered. That did not take my focus away from the reason I was in Kano, though. I was in Kano to conduct a survey and gather proof of the survival and existence of vultures. I went to five (5) different locations in five different Kano LGAs: Kasuwan Yankaji, Fage LGA, Ungwa Uku, Taroni LGA, Sauna, Nasarawa LGA, dumping side near Janguza Barracks, and dumping side at Kofar Walka. Surprisingly, during my seven-day survey of the state and the surrounding area, I saw no vultures that were free-living. Then, I was to identify the problem’s warning signs. After conducting a more thorough and covert investigation, I came across vulture traders and discovered two dead vultures as well as three captive livliving vultures in cages. They’re sold at higher prices and the business is highly secretive. The traders denied being vulture traders and would not let me into the closet at one of the locations because they thought I was a law enforcement officer. I was deeply sympathetic to the plight of the vultures after recording a video of one in captivity. A few individuals managed to rare vultures due to their high value and “profitable” gains. Could that be another way out to save free-living vultures? As far as I can tell, all I saw in Kano were two dead and three captive-caged vultures, not a single free-living vulture.

A Vulture in captivity within Vulture trader’s cage in Kano

Harmony Unveiled: BiotaCHF’s Visionary Think Tank, Kjell Janssens, Pioneering Wildlife Conservation with a Symphony of Wings

Biota Conservation Hub Foundation (BiotaCHF), a non-profit and non-governmental organization, is proud to have Kjell Janssens as one of its esteemed think tanks in the conservation of Nigeria’s natural ecosystems and biodiversity. As the Raptor Research Coordinator and an expert in bird trapping and tagging, Kjell has been making significant contributions to nature conservation in BiotaCHF.

Meet Kjell Janssens, an integral member of the Biota Conservation Hub Foundation, hailing from Belgium. With a profound passion for ornithology instilled at the age of three by his bird-ringer father, Kjell’s journey spans diverse landscapes—from Sweden to Belgium, Holland to Nigeria. His expertise extends beyond mere bird counting; every day, he diligently catches and tags a myriad of species.

Kjell’s extensive repertoire includes tagging Hen harriers, Montagu’s harriers, Marsh harriers, common buzzards, Goshawks, Merlins, kestrels, and an array of other avian wonders across Europe and Africa. His commitment transcends borders, having contributed to owl research in Canada, Serbia, and Latvia. Currently, he focuses on species in Belgium, fostering conservation and enhancing wildlife /human co-existence.

In BiotaCHF, Kjell emerges as a visionary, spearheading efforts to establish a wildlife rescue center—a testament to his unwavering dedication to species conservation. His invaluable contributions extend far beyond tagging birds; they pave the way for a sustainable coexistence between wildlife and humanity.

BiotaCHF proudly welcomes collaboration in their mission, inviting partnerships to amplify the impact of their conservation endeavors. Kjell Janssens stands as a beacon of inspiration, embodying the spirit of those who tirelessly work to preserve our planet’s natural heritage.

He and his colleagues in BiotaCHF are recently focusing more on the conservation of vultures and other raptors and possibly rescuing them through a rescue Centre, with repopulation plans in future. BiotaCHF is open to collaboration on any aspect of conservation in Nigeria.

Kjell Janssens; Raptor Research Coordinator and an expert in bird trapping and tagging

Kjell Janssens; Raptor Research Coordinator and an expert in bird trapping and tagging

Barrister F. M. Williams Esq.: Championing Nature Conservation Through Legal Expertise

Biota Conservation Hub Foundation (www.biotachf.org) a non-profit and non-governmental organization passionately committed to the preservation of Nigeria’s natural ecosystems and biodiversity proudly presents its esteemed team. These dedicated individuals serve as the vanguards of conservation success, unwaveringly engaged in exhaustive species research, resolute protection efforts, and the safeguarding of our planet’s invaluable natural heritage. Their unyielding contributions resonate across the global spectrum, as they ardently serve both nature and humanity. In the subsequent discourse, you shall be introduced to these unsung professionals and champions of conservation. They are the unsung heroes and heroines behind our remarkable conservation achievements.

For this week,

Meet our Conservation Law Enforcement Coordinator, Barrister F. M. Williams Esq., a lawyer of over Eleven years post call to Nigerian Barr and the Founder of F. M. Williams & Partners.

In the realm of conservation, heroes often emerge from the unlikeliest of places, embodying an unwavering commitment to safeguarding our planet’s natural treasures. One such unsung champion is Barrister F. M. Williams Esq., a legal luminary with a profound dedication to the cause of nature conservation. His journey from the corridors of justice to the heart of biodiversity protection is nothing short of inspiring.

With over a decade of legal experience and a trailblazing law firm under his aegis, Barrister F. M. Williams Esq. stands as a beacon of dedication to both his legal craft and the natural world. As the Founder of F. M. Williams & Partners, a forward-thinking legal establishment that boasts a global footprint, he has exemplified the power of innovation, specialization, and international collaboration.

Yet, it was a spark ignited by his brother’s revelations about the dire state of wildlife and species on the precipice of extinction that transformed Barrister Williams into a fervent advocate for conservation. Recognizing that the preservation of biodiversity necessitates a collective effort spanning all professions, he heeded the call to contribute his legal acumen to the conservation cause.

Barrister Williams understood that policy transformation and efficacy hinge on legal reform and application. His profound grasp of this principle prompted him to join forces with the Biota Conservation Hub Foundation (BiotaCHF), where he could harness his legal prowess to shield species and habitats through the prism of law. His dedication led him to spearhead vital initiatives, including a resounding call to end the disturbing trade in vulture parts in Nigerian markets—a petition that resonated across digital platforms and raised crucial awareness.

As both the Conservation Law Enforcement Coordinator and the organization’s secretary, Barrister Williams is not merely confined to a legal role. He undertakes a multifaceted responsibility, overseeing all legal aspects of BiotaCHF’s operations and offering counsel where necessary, ensuring seamless strides towards success.

In the face of daunting challenges, Barrister Williams remains undaunted. While BiotaCHF ushers in attitudinal shifts towards wildlife, he unflinchingly directs his energies towards tangible change. His current focus on the implementation of legislation to combat the slaughter of endangered wildlife in Nigeria’s northern states underscores his tenacity. The rampant trade in wildlife body parts, a perilous menace, stands as a dire threat to various species on the brink. It is through Barrister Williams’ impassioned efforts that this issue is confronted head-on, instilling hope for the survival of these imperiled creatures.

Amidst his legal obligations, Barrister Williams is a paragon of selflessness. His wholehearted dedication to nature and biodiversity conservation is an inspiration not only to his colleagues but to the world at large. His commitment to protecting vultures—a keystone species that plays an irreplaceable role in the ecosystem—shines as a testament to his visionary pursuits. With BiotaCHF’s sights set on vulture conservation and repopulation in Nigeria and West Africa, Barrister F. M. Williams Esq. stands resolutely at the forefront of this noble endeavor.

In a world yearning for change, Barrister Williams embodies the transformational power that a single individual can wield. His journey from the hallowed halls of law to the untamed expanses of nature’s wonder serves as a compelling narrative of human potential and a clarion call to preserve the planet’s invaluable natural heritage. With open arms, he and the BiotaCHF welcome collaboration on all conservation fronts, offering a collective hand in securing a brighter, greener future for generations to come.

Barr. F. M Williams BiotaCHF’s Conservation Law Enforcement Coordinator

Barr. F. M Williams BiotaCHF’s Conservation Law Enforcement Coordinator

Barr. F. M. Williams, BiotaCHF’s Conservation Law Enforcement Coordinator

“Unveiling the Wings of Conservation: Meet Caka, Champion of Biodiversity and Avian Preservation in Nigeria”

Biota Conservation Hub Foundation (www.biotachf.org) a non-profit and non-governmental organization passionately committed to the preservation of Nigeria’s natural ecosystems and biodiversity proudly presents its esteemed team. These dedicated individuals serve as the vanguards of conservation success, unwaveringly engaged in exhaustive species research, resolute protection efforts, and the safeguarding of our planet’s invaluable natural heritage. Their unyielding contributions resonate across the global spectrum, as they ardently serve both nature and humanity. In the subsequent discourse, you shall be introduced to these unsung professionals and champions of conservation. They are the unsung heroes and heroines behind our remarkable conservation achievements.

For this week,

Meet Caka Karlsson, the Director of Research and Biodiversity Conservation at Biota Conservation Hub Foundation. Originally from southern Sweden, Caka’s passion for conservation began on her family’s dairy and potato farm, where she grew up surrounded by various animals. Her early exposure to nature instilled a deep love for animals, especially raptors and ungulates.

After completing her high school education, Caka embarked on a journey of volunteer travels to Africa, where she worked with different organizations. One notable experience was at Imire in Zimbabwe, where she dedicated her efforts to the breeding of critically endangered Black Rhinos.

In 2018, Caka pursued her undergraduate degree in Conservation, and during her academic journey, she developed a particular interest in raptor research. In 2021, she made her first visit to Nigeria to conduct fieldwork for her undergraduate thesis. Captivated by the beauty and biodiversity of Nigeria, she returned in 2022 to commence her Master’s thesis fieldwork, focusing on the Yellow-billed Kite.

While based in A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI), Caka, and some of her colleagues conducted a significant study, tagging 5 Yellow-billed Kites with GPS transmitters. Over the course of a year, they collected crucial tracking data to better understand the movements and behaviors of these magnificent birds.

Now, as she analyzes the collected data, Caka’s expertise in raptor research shines through, providing valuable insights into the threats, movement and conservation of the Yellow-billed Kites. Her dedication to biodiversity conservation and her contributions to understanding and protecting these avian species make her an essential asset to the Biota Conservation Hub Foundation (BiotaCHF). Through her efforts, Caka continues to inspire and drive positive change in the field of conservation in Africa. She and her colleagues in BiotaCHF are recently focusing more on the conservation of vultures and possibly repopulating them in Nigeria, West Africa. BiotaCHF is open to collaboration on any aspect of conservation in Nigeria.

Caka Karlsson the Director of Research and Biodiversity conservation at Biota Conservation Hub Foundation

How a Harmless Dye Killed Five Meerkats at the Oldest Zoo in America

If you are a fan of meerkats, you might want to grab some tissues before reading this. A heartbreaking tragedy has struck the Philadelphia Zoo, the oldest zoo in America, where all five of its meerkats have died in a matter of days. The cause? A mysterious toxin that was lurking in a dye that was supposed to help identify them.

The meerkats in the Philadelphia zoo were a group of siblings who arrived at the zoo in 2013. They were named Nkosi, Lula, Ari, Kgala and Nya, and they were beloved by the staff and visitors alike. Meerkats are small carnivores that belong to the mongoose family, and they are native to the deserts and grasslands of southern Africa. They are known for their social and playful behavior, and their ability to stand upright on their hind legs.

On June 1, 2023, the zookeepers applied a dye called Nyanzol-D on the meerkats, as they had done for over 30 years, to mark them with different colors so they could tell them apart. The dye was also used on other small primates at the zoo, and it had never caused any issues before. But this time, something went horribly wrong.

Soon after the dye was applied, the meerkats started to act strangely. They became lethargic and unresponsive, and one of them died within half an hour. The veterinary team rushed to save the others, but it was too late. Three more meerkats died within 36 hours, despite having their stomachs pumped and receiving intensive care. The last meerkat survived for more than a week under medical supervision, but he also succumbed to the toxin on June 12.

The zoo is now conducting a thorough investigation to find out what exactly killed the meerkats, and whether it was the product itself, the specific batch of the product or the way it was applied that was responsible. The zoo is also collaborating with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the US Department of Agriculture to share its findings with other zoos that might use the same dye or similar products. The results of the necropsies are still pending.

The staff are devastated by the loss of the meerkats, who were like family to them. They spend more time with the animals than with their own families or pets at home, and they form strong bonds with them. They are also saddened by the fact that the dye that was meant to help them care for the meerkats might have been the cause of their deaths.

The Philadelphia Zoo is the first zoo in America, and it opened its doors in 1874. It is home to more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals from around the world. Meerkats are not threatened or endangered in their natural habitat, but they face threats from habitat loss, predation and human interference.

We hope that the zoo can find some answers and closure soon, and that they can honor the memory of their meerkats in a meaningful way. Rest in peace, Nkosi, Lula, Ari, Kgala and Nya. You will be missed.

Meerkats

Meerkats in the attractive standing posture

The Buzz on Bees: Why They Matter for Our Ecosystem and Health

Bees are more than just honey-makers. They are essential for the health of our planet and our food supply. In this article, we will explore why bees are so important and how we can help them.

Bees are the most dominant pollinators of wild and crop plants. They visit over 90% of the world’s top 107 crops, such as apples, almonds, blueberries, cucumbers, and coffee. By transferring pollen from one plant to another, they enable plants to reproduce and produce seeds, fruits, nuts, and other foods that we depend on. Without bees, many plants would not be able to survive, and our food security and diversity would be at risk.

Bees also play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity. By pollinating a huge variety of plants and trees, they improve the diversity of plant species, which in turn impacts the variety of insects and animals in a given ecosystem. Biodiversity is important for the stability and resilience of natural systems, as well as for the provision of ecosystem services, such as clean air, water, soil, and climate regulation.

Bees also provide us with many products that have medicinal properties, such as honey, propolis, bee pollen, royal jelly, beeswax, and bee venom. These products have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and have been shown to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-aging, immune-boosting, analgesic, and cholesterol-lowering effects. They can also help treat a wide range of conditions, such as wounds, infections, allergies, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, eczema, ulcers, and cancer.

Bees also have historical importance for human societies. People have been working with bees for millennia and have used them for honey production, wax making, pollination services, and religious rituals. Bees have been revered in many cultures as symbols of wisdom, fertility, diligence, and harmony. Bees have also inspired art, literature, music, and science.

However, bees are currently in decline due to various factors, such as habitat loss, intensive farming practices, pesticide use, climate change, air pollution, diseases, and parasites. This poses a serious threat to our food security and biodiversity. Therefore, it is crucial that we take urgent action to protect bees and their habitats.

There are many ways that we can help bees. Some of them include:

– Planting bee-friendly flowers and herbs in our gardens or balconies
– Avoiding or minimizing the use of pesticides and herbicides
– Buying organic or locally produced honey and other bee products
– Supporting beekeepers and local initiatives that promote bee conservation
– Educating ourselves and others about the importance of bees
– Joining or donating to organizations that advocate for bee protection

Bees are amazing creatures that deserve our respect and appreciation. They are not only important for our ecosystem and health but also for our culture and history. By helping bees thrive we are helping ourselves and our planet.

Wildlife Story by a Hunter

The hunter killed the beautiful tiger
And they said it attacked him first,
They laced the dead antelope with,
Poison and over three hundred vultures died,
They said it was because the Vultures
Exposed their poaching activities;
Ah, where’s the chief judge?
Why are they blaming the hunted?
The meerkats’ burrows were excavated by bulldozers and they blamed the animal for existing
In government property,
I now see the plot against the hunted
By the conspiracy of the “hunters,”
I told them that, the hunters are the story tellers and writers,
They will never write the true stories
Of the plight of the hunted,
The wildlife will always be the thief
In his story book,
They killed the elephants with the
Reasons that they destroyed crops;
Truth has died and wildlife is at risk,
Where are the advocates ?
Write the truth about the deforestation and defredation,
Where’s the journalist?
Write about the innocence of
Our great elephants, write about the help of our bees in pollinating the farmer’s farm for bounty harvest,
Where’s our poet?
Write the song on the beauty of
Our forest and it’s carbon sequestration roles to man’s existence and clean water sources,
Please, call the lawyer let him
Defend our wildlife,
No one is severely punished for the illegal hunting and killing of our endangered species why?
They made myriads of birds nestless
That man needs a football stadia,
They careless about our neighbours
Who live in the forest that they have no rights at all!
Please, barrister read out the constitution, check the law against killing of wildlife and endangered species,
We need to be the advocates,
To write the truth, yes the better story
Of the hunted wildlife,
We need to write about their rights
And their plights in human’s hands;
If we do not write the story of the
Hunted the hunter will never write
The truth that blame himself,
He will always write to blame our wildlife, the pride of our generation,
Hence we must write!

Take Me Back to the Forest

We took a walk out of the forest
Where nature thrives and peace reigns,
Now that away from the forest
We saw men’s brutality to nature;
The disappearance of Hooded vultures
Were a hearty reminder to our errors,
We saw the logging of trees,
And the trophy hunting of our Elephants,
I want to return to my home, the forest where peace reigns,
I want to go back home to my Hooded Vultures to smile at noon time,
Because in this town Cecil the lion died in the hands of men that don’t
Value nature and human’s future;
I want to return home where the
Lions roars blowing the
Whistle for our duikers’ marathon race;
I want to go home to the African
Elephant that graze our forest
Like a king that beutify our love,
I can’t stay here in the city anymore,
To see the killers of our animals
Still walking free with pride and praise s to their “honour”,
Our Rhinoceros was shot dead
Yesterday and the killer was
Asked to pay a little fine to mock
Our wildlife at our grieving time,
Please, return me to the Forest,
Yes, home to our tantalus monkeys,
To see the trees dancing to the wind’s
Tune and the lizard walking free
In to the rocky outcrops,
I want to sight the rock hyracks and clap again as the hooded vultures fly
Above our sky with joy and blessings,
I want to see our children flying
The kites with great acknowledgement to our
Yellow-billed kite that Just returned
From intercontinental migration,
I want to walk in the forest
And my children to grow in love
For nature and humanity,
And to live in peace for ever.

(C). Williams Michael Manja, 2020.

Importance of our Bats

Bats play an important role in many environments around the world. Some plants depend partly or wholly on bats to pollinate their flowers or spread their seeds, while other bats also help control pests by eating insects. Some bats are ‘indicator species’, because changes to these bat populations can indicate changes in aspects of biodiversity. Some bats might suffer when there are problems with insect populations (because some bats feed on insects) or when habitats are destroyed or poorly managed (for example, some bats only live in large woodlands).

How important are bats to our Ecosystem?

1. Bats serve as pollinators
2. Bats control pests as they put pests’ population in check.
3. They are indicators of changes in biodiversity or the environment.
4. Bats serve as seed dispersers and reforesters.

Bats serve many other roles in our environment hence the need to ensure that they don’t go in to extinction. We should love our bats and protect them. Many bat species in Africa are gradually going in to extinction locally and regionally, but together we can protect them and make our environment an ideal one for all creatures.