Why we need Vultures

In some of Shakespeare’s plays, we find commoners who, through their wit and resourcefulness, manage to outdo their social superiors. These characters, known as Shakespearean fools, include Dromio of Ephesus in “The Comedy of Errors,” the Citizen in “Julius Caesar,” and the Clown in “Othello.” Were Shakespeare from Asante Akyem, the vulture (KƆKƆSAKYI or ƆPƐTƐ) would likely join their ranks.

Like Shakespearen fools, the vulture says it acts foolishly to remain safe: Kɔkɔsakyi de ne kwasea pɛ nyinkyɛre. Humans often prey on birds, yet the vulture is spared due to its perceived filthiness. Unhunted, vultures enjoy a long life. Their apparent uselessness is captured in the Twi saying, “to ɔpɛtɛ tuo” (to shoot a vulture), which means to labour in vain.

In Ghana, the hooded vulture is a common sight, scavenging dead animals and refuse dumps. An Akan tale explains the origins of this behaviour. It tells of a vulture who borrowed a gold nugget from a crow to attend a funeral. At the event, it went to the midden to relieve itself, losing the nugget in the process. Ever since, vultures have been seen scratching at middens, seemingly in search of the lost nugget.

In seeking their own survival by scavenging or searching for the gold nugget, vultures perform the vital “zoomlion” or “tankas” function of removing deadly bacteria from our environment. Without their consumption of bacteria-infested carcasses, such pathogens might spread to humans and other animals, causing widespread harm.

Indeed, a recent BBC report revealed an unsettling truth: the decline of vultures has had catastrophic results. Without their invaluable service of consuming carrion, deadly bacteria and infections were left unchecked, resulting in the tragic loss of about half a million lives over five years.

When not engaged in this search for food on middens, vultures soar in circles high above or perch near an abattoir, prompting the proverb: Deɛ obiara pɛ na ɔnya a, anka kɔkɔsakyi di nankwaasehene (If anybody could get what they wanted, the vulture would be king of the abattoir). This mirrors the English adage: If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

The vulture, poetically known as OYANKOMPASAKYIE, bears a bald head – a condition attributed to sickness: Yareɛ a ɛbɔɔ kɔkɔsakyi a ɛmaa ne tiri ho tutuiɛ no, sɛ ɛbɔɔ anene a, anka ɔwuiɛ (If the illness that caused the vulture to lose its feathers had afflicted the crow, the crow would not have survived). This proverb warns against judging others or mocking their predicaments, as one might fare even worse under similar circumstances. In truth, though, the bald head helps keep them clean while feeding on carcasses. Imagine a heavily bearded man eating slimey okra soup!

We may not like vultures, but if the BBC report is anything to go by, we should do our best to preserve them. For in their foolishness, we’re saved.