Raptor conservation
Raptor conservation concerns are threats affecting the population viability of birds of prey. Because of their hunting lifestyle, raptors face distinct conservation challenges. As top predators, they are important for healthy ecosystem functioning, and by protecting them many other species are safeguarded. Their extensive habitat requirements make regional conservation strategies necessary for protecting birds of prey.
Pesticides
Because they are opportunistic
While most developed nations have adopted standards that reduce usage of chemicals with extended environmental persistence, the pesticides are still powerful and dangerous immediately after application. The United Kingdom owes its small proportion of labeled-use deaths to less toxic pesticides, whereas the United States has near equal amounts of labeled-use to illegal use fatalities. Use of non-granular and untreated seeds would reduce pesticide concentration and accessibility as a food source.[1]
Lead shot
Birds of prey may eat dead or injured prey killed with
Lead is a persistent environmental contaminant, and as suitable habitat patches diminish, both the concentration of organisms and hunting space increases. Restricting use of lead, especially in
Utility poles
There are over 185 million
Over half of North American and a majority of European raptor species have been affected by electrocution. European utility equipment is made of steel, increasing conductivity of the whole structure. While electrocution doesn't threaten the viability of most raptor populations, the whole of human impacts can, so it is sensible to reduce known causes of mortality in any way possible. Burying cables, installing perch deterrents, and attentive placement of poles are ways to reduce risk of death by electrocution.[4]
Wind turbines
Because they hunt on the wing and have wind-specific
Raptors and turbines converge in windy areas, and a balance must be found between
See also
- Status and conservation of the golden eagle
- Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MoU)
References
- ^ a b Mineau P, Fletcher MR, Glaser LC, Thomas NJ, Brassad C, Wilson LK, Elliot JE, Lyon LA, Henny CJ, Bollinger T, Porter SL. 1999. Poisoning of raptors with organophosphorous and carbamate pesticides with emphasis on Canada, U.S. and U.K. Journal of Raptor Research. 33(1):1-37.
- ^ a b Fisher IJ, Pain DJ, Thomas VG. 2006. A review of lead poisoning from ammunition sources in terrestrial birds. Biological Conservation. 131:421-432.
- ^ Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) (2006). Suggested Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines: The State of the Art in 2006. Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, C.A.: Edison Electric Institute, APLIC, and the California Energy Commission. pp. 5–50.
- ^ a b Lehman RN, Kennedy PL, Savidge JA. 2007. The state of the art in raptor electrocution research: A global review. Biological Conservation. 136:159-174.
- ^ a b Hoover SL, Morrison ML. 2005. Behavior of Red-Tailed Hawks in a Wind Turbine Development. Journal of Wildlife Management. 69(1):150-159.