Awareness and Attitudes towards Vultures in Communities around Manyelanong and Tswapong Hills, Botswana

Several vulture species are classified as endangered due to their massive global decline in populations. Humans and other species in the ecosystem may suffer because of this decline. Identification of vulture conservation threats, and creation of sustainable wildlife conservation depends on understanding the attitudes and views of local communities. Research on threats, attitudes, and views of local communities towards vulture conservation in Botswana is limited. The current study yields key insights about the perceptions and knowledge of local communities towards vultures in the Manyelanong and Tswapong hills, Botswana which are crucial foraging and breeding habitats for cape vultures Gyps coprotheres. A questionnaire survey was employed, comprising both open-ended and closed-ended questions about respondents’ perceptions of vultures, their knowledge of them, and how frequently they had seen them in their neighbourhoods. The questionnaire was implemented on 120 randomly selected households near the breeding grounds of vultures. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used to analyse the data. Some socioeconomic factors, including education level, age, occupation, residence, and favourable attitude towards vultures, showed a significant association. The physical and behavioural traits of the species had an impact on how the locals felt about vultures. Age, education, and participation level of respondents had an impact on their attitudes towards conservation. The ecological significance of vulture species is recognised by communities, who are concerned about their population declines. Therefore, comprehensive awareness-raising campaigns should be encouraged to protect vulture species.