This incredible species of vulture, found in the Sahel Region of Africa, holds the record as the highest flying bird in the world, reaching heights of 37,100 ft (11,300 m). Like all vultures, Rüppells' are crucial to the environment in their role of cleaning up carcasses, which in turn greatly prevents the spread of diseases to other wildlife and even humans. Due mainly to poisoning, their populations have declined at an alarming rate of 97% over three generations.

The Martial Eagle is one of the largest raptors in Africa. They can be found in 40 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. They are an apex predator that controls populations of prey animals, maintaining balance in the ecosystem. As they have no natural predators, their only true threat is humans. Martial Eagle populations have declined by 90% over three generations. 

The Lappet-faced Vulture, a species that The Peregrine Fund has studied since the early 90s, is considered to be the most powerful vulture in Africa. While they play an important role as disease-preventing scavengers, they also hunt a variety of small game. They are located throughout the African continent but have declined by 90% over three generations primarily due to poisoning.

Secretarybirds are a unique species of raptor, endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. They rely on their legs rather than their wings, and standing at four feet, they are the tallest raptor in the world. They often walk 12 to 18 miles a day, using their legs to crush prey. This iconic African raptor is not merely affected by one threat but a combination of human-caused factors. Secretarybirds are considered the world's most imperiled raptor, according to the EDGE (Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered) index. They have declined by 85% over three generations.

This stunning eagle species is found throughout the African continent. Bateleurs are truly unique. They are one of the most colorful eagles in the world–their vibrant face and legs actually change color with their mood! They also have the shortest tail and narrowest wings, compared to body size, of any other eagle, which aids them in low-altitude soaring. While they face the threat of shrinking habitats due to human population growth, they also face the same plight as vultures–poisoning. Their populations have decreased by 87% over three generations.

The White-backed Vulture find their home in sub-Saharan Africa. They can be seen soaring over grasslands and towns alike. They are an incredibly efficient scavenger. In fact, 100 of these vultures can strip a 100 lb. carcass in about three minutes. Like all African vultures, their primary threat is poisoning. White-backed Vultures have declined by 86% over three generations.

Wahlberg's Eagle is the smallest eagle in Africa and is one of the few truly migratory raptors in Africa. They are spread throughout Africa but tend to avoid dense forests and very dry areas. Males and females work together to build and tend to nests, and the females often only lay one egg. While they are one of the most common eagles found in sub-Saharan Africa and have a conservation status of Least Concern, our study shows reasons for great concern with a 74% decline in their population over three generations. 

While found throughout most of Africa, Brown Snake-Eagles prefer dry woodlands and savannas. As its name implies, they primarily hunt snakes and seem to specialize in preying on highly venomous snakes. Brown Snake-Eagles are another species in our study with an official conservation status of Least Concern but have had a concerning decline of 55% over three generations.

Dark Chanting Goshawks are found in sub-Saharan Africa but prefer moist, wooded savannas. As their name suggests, this raptor is a very vocal bird, and their vocalizations are often considered to be a song or chant, using up to 12 notes in a single series. While they are considered a species of Least Concern, the isolated population in Morocco is locally considered Critically Endangered. Overall, they have experienced a 41% decline in their populations over three generations.