https://www.linkedin.com/posts/conservezim-conservezim-402997277_vultures-in-southern-africa-provide-us2-activity-7299889848356683777-FPCy?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAEOZZoIBX1-7rFcrw04ZfUeUPSSwOOU74oo Vultures in Southern Africa Provide US$2 Billion in Ecosystem Services Annually John Cassim A BirdLife International report reveals that vultures in Southern Africa contribute nearly US$2 billion annually in the ecosystem services. Focusing on Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, the report, "Valuation of Ecosystem Services Provided by Vultures in Southern Africa," documents the economic value of services like bequest values, sanitation, and pest control. Sanitation and pest control alone provide US$93 million in human health benefits across the three countries. The report also highlights the economic value to local communities, tourists, and park personnel. Furthermore, it quantifies the welfare loss from inaction on vulture conservation at US$47 million annually, while potential gains from conservation efforts reach US$30 million. The Asian vulture crisis in the 1990s, caused by diclofenac, demonstrated the devastating impact of losing these vital services. This prompted BirdLife International to assess the value of African vultures and the consequences of their decline. Africa hosts eleven vulture species, with seven facing extinction, listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Vultures, essential scavengers maintaining ecological balance, have experienced alarming declines. African populations have plummeted by 80-97% in five decades, with some species losing over 92%. The primary threats: poisoning (61% of deaths), belief-based use (29%), and electrocution (9%). Reversing these declines is crucial to prevent extinction. Matthew Lewis, Head of Conservation in Africa at BirdLife International, expressed concern: "The decline of vulture populations across the continent is indeed worrying. This ground breaking study on the economic value of vultures in the Southern Africa region is crucial in advancing conservation efforts. BirdLife and Partners will continue to collaborate with stakeholders in the region to turn the tide for vultures in Southern Africa." Leeroy Gerald Moyo, Preventing Extinctions Programme Manager at BirdLife Zimbabwe, added, "By integrating these findings into national conservation strategies, we aim to continue mitigating threats such as poisoning, habitat loss, and illegal trade, thereby ensuring a sustainable future for vulture populations in Zimbabwe and the ecosystems they support.” Mary Malasa, Programme Manager at Birdwatch Zambia, emphasised community engagement: "It was particularly interesting to interact with local communities and gain firsthand insights into their perspectives while collecting this data. Quantifying vultures' role as nature's clean-up strengthens the case for their conservation." Read the report here: https:https://lnkd.in/dmzaAeZz