Yellow-billed kites face growing threat from belief-based use in West Africa
Yellow-billed kites (Milvus aegyptius) are widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, but conservationists warn that as vulture populations collapse, this medium-sized raptor is increasingly targeted for belief-based rituals and bushmeat. A study by Abiola Chaffra, a research fellow, found that during the November-to-March hunting seasons in 2022 and 2023, hunters killed an estimated 20,200 yellow-billed kites in southern Benin. Researchers tallied nearly 2,000 birds for sale in fetish markets in February 2024. Poaching also occurs in neighboring Togo and Nigeria. Experts are concerned that at this scale, hunting could quickly lead to population-level declines.
Belief-based demand drives the trade
Like vultures, kites (alive and dead) and their parts are used in rituals and as charms. Hooded vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) have been hunted to near-extinction in the region, and yellow-billed kites are now used as substitutes for belief-based users. Ralph Buij, a senior scientist with the University of St. Andrews, noted that kites dwell near human populations, making them “exceptionally vulnerable” to targeted killing. Chaffra’s research will be published in the Bulletin of the African Bird Club.
Scale of the trade: Staggering numbers
Visiting seven fetish markets in Benin in February 2024, Chaffra counted nearly 2,000 yellow-billed kites for sale—some alive, some dead, others in parts. Some had their necks and heads shaved, advertised as hooded vultures. Chicks were also present. Buij, who has studied raptor trade for over 27 years, described the numbers as “staggering” in light of the lack of enforcement, corruption, and economic incentives. His research in the journal Oryx documented widespread sale of kites and other raptors in markets across Central and West Africa from 1999 to 2013, showing a “steady, rising proportion of kites” for sale in Benin and Nigeria. The black kite (Milvus migrans) migrating from Europe is also likely targeted. “Trade does not appear to have slowed down, but rather appears to have accelerated,” Buij said.
‘Quite disturbing’ trend in Nigeria
A similar trend is occurring in Nigeria. Michael Manja Williams, a Ph.D. candidate at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, observed groups of hunters targeting yellow-billed kites, particularly where vultures are absent. He described the trend as “quite disturbing,” warning that the same trajectory that collapsed vulture populations could now affect kites: “What happened to the vulture may happen to the yellow-billed kite.” Once home to seven vulture species, Nigeria now hosts only two—hooded and palm-nut vultures (Gypohierax angolensis).
Potential population-level impacts
While the last Red List assessment found southern Africa’s population appeared to be increasing, the current offtake could push the species into a vulnerable conservation status. Rob Martin, Red List team manager at BirdLife International, said that “the numbers involved are certainly sufficient to be having population level impacts, especially if it’s including a proportion of adult birds.” Unsustainable killing for belief-based use also affects other raptors like hornbills, cranes, storks, and ibises.
Ecosystem role and conservation action needed
Yellow-billed kites play a key role as scavengers and predators of pests. Conservationists urge immediate action, including better enforcement, but also campaigns targeting traditional practitioners to address demand. Awareness-raising workshops could help tackle poaching. Chaffra said the birds should be tagged to understand origins and hunting impacts. Ralph Buij called on the Beninese government and regional NGOs to elevate raptor conservation to a major environmental priority: “It is time for Benin to step up its actions against the brutal trade of steeply declining raptors.”