A study reveals that the number of raptors in Africa is collapsing.
Scientists claim that the extinction of several species across large portions of the continent poses unidentified hazards to human safety.
A recent study has highlighted a significant and widespread population decline among Africa's birds of prey, posing potential unforeseen consequences for humans. The analysis, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, reveals that tropical raptor species, including the martial eagle, bateleur, and dark chanting goshawk, have disappeared from various regions of the African continent over the past four decades, primarily due to the conversion of wild areas into farmland.
The study, led by Dr. Phil Shaw at the University of St Andrews, utilized road surveys and found that nearly 90% of the 42 raptor species examined had experienced declines, with over two-thirds displaying signs of being globally threatened. The disappearance of apex raptor species could lead to unintended consequences for humans, similar to the decline in Indian vultures, which resulted in an increase in rabies cases in the early 1990s.
African birds of prey, many of which are capable of hunting jackals, antelopes, snakes, rodents, and smaller birds, are increasingly dependent on protected areas such as national parks and reserves. While populations of raptors also declined in these protected areas, the decline was often slower. The study emphasizes the importance of achieving the UN target to protect 30% of the Earth's surface by the end of the decade to safeguard nature.
Dr. Shaw highlighted that although protected areas offer a degree of protection, many raptors are still declining within these areas. Approximately 40% of the studied species were found to be declining within protected areas at rates classifying them as endangered, leaving them with limited alternatives.
The study, inspired by a 2015 investigation into critically endangered African vultures, identifies West Africa as particularly affected by declines, attributed to agricultural expansion and inadequate resourcing of protected areas. The disappearance of raptors may have unforeseen consequences in these areas, akin to the impact of declining vulture populations on ecosystems and disease dynamics in India.
