Aspects of the use of vultures in traditional medicine in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and conservation implications.
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Date
2022
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Abstract
Eighty percent of people in developing countries use traditional medicine either as a primary
source of healthcare or as supplementary to western medicine. Traditional medicines are mainly
derived from wild plants and animals. There has been a marked global increase in the use of
animals and their body parts as ingredients in traditional medicine. The harvesting and use of
wildlife resources in traditional medicine are largely unregulated and involve many species of
conservation concern. This is true for African vultures, as evidence indicates that traditional
medicine is responsible for 29% of African vulture mortalities. Currently, six out of seven vulture
species in South Africa face a serious threat of extinction. The threatened species are listed under
the Threatened or Protected Species regulations, which prohibit hunting and consumption.
However, evidence suggests a long-standing use of vultures in traditional medicine in KwaZulu-
Natal, South Africa, yet so much remains unknown about this practice. Understanding the belief
system and the socio-economic dispositions underpinning the belief-based use of vultures will
favour vulture conservation efforts in the province.
Research was undertaken with the aim of advancing the knowledge base regarding the use
of vultures in traditional medicine in KwaZulu-Natal. Accordingly, the following objectives were
established: 1) to assess human-vulture interactions in a dynamic ecosystem, 2) to evaluate the
dynamics behind the illegal harvesting and trade of vultures and their body parts, 3) to investigate
the ethnomedicinal use of vultures by traditional health practitioners and 4) report on the efficacy
of religion as an alternative for traditional medicine use. The study involved local communities
surrounding protected areas and specific groups such as hunters, muthi traders, and traditional
healers. A mixed-methodology approach was adopted, and data were collected using questionnaire
surveys, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and observations. A total of 728 respondents contributed to this study. Local people’s perceptions towards vultures were predominantly
positive. Respondents appreciated vultures for removing carcases, thus keeping the environment
clean. Results also demonstrated that hunting and wildlife consumption were common in the study
areas, and that the hunting and use of vultures were a part of this. Vultures were harvested from
protected areas and sold directly to traditional healers and also to muthi traders. Vultures were
reportedly important in traditional medicine, but their harvesting was limited because it was
perceived as a criminal activity, and the birds reportedly occurred in smaller numbers than before.
In traditional medicine, seven vulture parts were used, but the head treated the majority (62%) of
ailments reported. Seventy-one percent of the uses for vulture-based remedies were spiritual in
nature. Religious practices such as church attendance, prayer and fasting, coupled with products
like holy water, can provide relief from physical and psychological ailments. In this study, the role
of religion in contributing positively to human health and well-being was underscored. Overall,
results from this study can be instrumental in guiding efforts to improve vulture conservation in
KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of South Africa.
Description
Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.