In recent decades, the population of raptors across Africa has experienced a dramatic decline, with reductions ranging from 70% to a whopping 97%. This alarming decrease is primarily attributed to habitat loss, climate change, and human-related causes. Raptors, also known as birds of prey, play vital roles in ecosystems by controlling pest populations and maintaining ecological balance. They are also cultural symbols and indicators of biodiversity and environmental health, as highlighted by McClure et al. (2018).
Birds of prey are particularly sensitive to changes in prey availability, vegetation structure, pollution, and human disturbance, making them excellent indicators of environmental changes (Keys et al., 2012).
Raptors are crucial for controlling pests and maintaining ecological balance (©Martin Buzora)
Recognising the importance of these birds, a comprehensive field study was conducted over a period of 12 months, from April 2021 to March 2022. The study aimed to determine the abundance, distribution, and diversity of raptors within the Lewa-Borana Landscape (LBL) and Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve (NNFR).
We conducted the study in partnership with the African Bird Club, Borana Conservancy, and NNFR. It focused on the two main raptor families and sought to document the various species present in the study areas. The research documented 28 different species of raptors, including two critically endangered, four endangered, one vulnerable, and several near-threatened species, as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) 2021 Red List.
Using Simpson’s Diversity Index (Okpiliya, 2012), our team recorded a value of 0.8668, indicating a high diversity of raptors within LBL and NNFR during the study period.
Lewa-Borana Landscape (©Herman Jush)
The study found that rainfall patterns significantly impact raptor habitats. Despite threats from reduced vegetation caused by drought, the Lewa-Borana Landscape and Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve remain crucial for diverse raptor populations, including many threatened species. Long-term monitoring and conservation efforts are vital to protecting these birds in northern Kenya. The study underscores the urgent need for continued conservation and habitat protection to stop the decline of raptors across Africa.
