"African Raptors on the Brink: Studies Signal Imminent Extinction Crisis"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Guardian
A new study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution reveals a dramatic decline in Africa's birds of prey populations over the past 40 years, with nearly 90% of the 42 raptor species studied showing declines. The loss of these predators, which include species like the martial eagle and the bateleur, is largely due to habitat conversion to farmland and even protected areas are not immune to this trend. The study highlights the critical role these birds play in ecosystems and warns of potential negative consequences for human health and local environments, drawing parallels to the increase in rabies cases in India following a decline in vulture populations.