The World's Most Imperiled Raptors Present Substantial Conservation Challenges
Christopher J. W. McClure, Ralph Buij, Russell Thorstrom, F. Hernán Vargas, Munir Z. Virani
Abstract
Potential extinction of raptor species is especially important given their outsized roles in ecosystems and human cultures. We examined Red List data for raptor species listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Our goal was to highlight the plight of these critically endangered raptor species while identifying the reasons for their imperiled status, the most important countries for their conservation, and the actions needed for their persistence. We categorized the 17 critically endangered raptor species into two groups—Accipitrid vultures and species with small populations. Accipitrid vultures had relatively large populations and ranges, and were listed under Criterion A due to precipitous population declines. The threat listed for the most Accipitrid vultures was “pollution,” reflecting poisoning as the principal cause of declines. Conversely, the small population species were listed under Criteria C and D and were most threatened by “agriculture and aquaculture.” Countries in Africa and south Asia were hotspots of critically endangered raptors. The conservation action listed for the most species was “education and awareness” followed by “land protection” and “law and policy.” The most-listed monitoring category was “population trends.” The Multi-species Action Plan to Conserve African-Eurasian Vultures should be implemented to prevent extinction of Accipitrid vultures. Conversely, species with small populations are generally isolated and must be managed individually. Conservation of the world's most imperiled raptor species is an important facet of assuaging the sixth mass extinction.