Two more Hooded Vultures mass killing incidents shook The Gambia at the beginning of August. The authorities and the local community are taking actions to protect the local vulture population. The police arrested two suspects.
Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) mass killings continue in The Gambia. Two more cases have been discovered in the last week, raising serious concern among the local community and conservationists. Thanks to the collaboration of the locals, the police arrested two people who allegedly used a poisoned bait to kill vultures. The number of vultures mass killing incidents raises to five, tangibly threatening the local Hooded Vultures population.
Two more vultures killing incidents
In Bwiam, a soldier and a local restaurant owner allegedly poisoned an animal carcass to lure and kill Hooded Vultures. The birds were found beheaded in a nearby bush. The illegal act seems to follow the scheme of illegal wildlife trade for religious purposes.
Bwiam community identified the two suspects and handed them over to the police. Both suspects are now in Military Police and Police custody respectively. The Gambia Armed Forces condemned the action allegedly carried out by one of its personnel, declaring a zero-tolerance policy for actions that violate laws and harm the country wildlife and protected species.
The same scheme was applied in Somita: a poisoned bait and beheaded vultures carcasses left behind. Images of the crime scene circulated on WhatsApp groups, alarming the local community. The police are investigating, but the suspect remains unidentified. The community has been urged to report any information that may assist ongoing investigations.
Joining forces to save Hooded Vultures
In July, The Gambia faced a concerning wave of vultures mass killing incidents. Dozens of Critically Endangered Hooded Vultures were poisoned and decapitated allegedly for illegal trade and religious rituals. August started on the same devastating page.
The local community and police are joining forces to protect vultures, recognised as crucial in maintaining environmental balance and controlling disease. Conservation organisations are also contributing to the investigation. It is vital to prevent further losses and identify those responsible of these horrific illegal acts. Every vulture lost to superstition may push the species closer to local and global extinction.
