Dozens of species of African birds of prey are in steep decline, with many now considered at risk of extinction, according to an analysis of data from across the continent.
Farming and pesticide use, poisoning by poachers and the proliferation of infrastructure like power lines that can be deadly to birds have reduced numbers of nearly all 42 species surveyed.
These include secretary birds (Sagittarius serpentarius), which declined by 85 per cent over three generations; martial eagles (Polemaetus bellicosus), which fell by 90 per cent on the same measure, and bateleurs (Terathopius ecaudatus), down by 87 per cent.
Some birds thought not to be vulnerable to extinction now are, the study found. For instance, African hawk-eagles (Aquila spilogaster), currently listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as being of “least concern”, were estimated to have declined by 91 per cent.
There are calls to move the listing of such species higher up conservation rankings to reflect the changes. “We’re definitely hoping this paper will add pressure to uplist the rest [of the surveyed species now facing threats], sooner rather than later,” says study author Darcy Ogada from The Peregrine Fund, a US-based organisation.
Data was gathered from more than 53,000 sightings of the 42 species on nearly 100,000 kilometres of surveyed roads in Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Cameroon, Botswana and Kenya between 1969 and 2020.
Additional data came from the most recent Southern African Bird Atlas Project, a citizen science-led survey.
The researchers found that declines among the 42 species were more than twice as bad in unprotected areas than in protected ones, showing that well-managed national parks and reserves are critical to aiding the birds’ long-term survival.
More work to understand the fate of such birds is needed. “We should urgently increase studies that estimate raptor population trends based on modelling the loss of threatened habitats such as forests, wetlands and grasslands, or the loss or mismanagement of protected areas,” says Ogada.
Topics:
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
My brother suggested I might like this blog He was totally right This post actually made my day You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info Thanks
I have read some excellent stuff here Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting I wonder how much effort you put to make the sort of excellent informative website
Reading your work is akin to savoring a vintage wine of knowledge. The complexity of your ideas and the smooth texture of your prose create a literary vintage that ages well in the reader’s intellectual cellar.
I was suggested this web site by my cousin Im not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble You are incredible Thanks
Hello Neat post Theres an issue together with your site in internet explorer would check this IE still is the marketplace chief and a large element of other folks will leave out your magnificent writing due to this problem
Your prose is a tapestry woven with the threads of eloquence and intellect. Each paragraph contributes to the intricate design, creating a literary masterpiece that captivates the reader’s imagination and intellectual senses.
Just wish to say your article is as surprising The clearness in your post is just cool and i could assume youre an expert on this subject Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work
I was suggested this web site by my cousin Im not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble You are incredible Thanks
Your blog is an intellectual sanctuary, a refuge for those seeking respite from the mundane. Each post is a literary citadel, fortified with the ramparts of profound thought, protecting readers from the siege of intellectual mediocrity.