Meet Some of the Raptors We are Working to Save in Madagascar

The Madagascar Fish-eagle is a Critically Endangered species found only on the west coast and lowlands of Madagascar. Our Madagascar Program has worked with this species since 1991, partnering with community associations to monitor the breeding populations and protect their habitat. Deforestation, water pollution, and overfishing are the major threats to the species, although our program has successfully reduced pressures from these threats and the northwestern population appears stable.

The Madagascar Serpent-eagle is an elusive Endangered species found only in the dense forests of Madagascar. Before our Madagascar Program rediscovered the Madagascar Serpent-eagle in 1993, the species had rarely been sighted in 60 years. Very little was known about the species when we started researching it, but we have now monitored populations and documented its life history for over 30 years.

Malagasy Harriers are found only in Madagascar in marshes and wetlands, extremely threatened ecosystems in Madagascar. Our Madagascar team performed a nationwide census from 2005–2006 at the majority of the existing marshes remaining in Madagascar, which provided information for uplisting the species’ IUCN status from Vulnerable to Endangered. Our Madagascar Program has helped create four protected areas, containing wetlands crucial for the Malagasy Harrier population to thrive.

The Madagascar Red Owl was thought to be extinct until our team rediscovered it in 1994. Its rediscovery, coupled with that of the Madagascar Serpent-eagle, led to the establishment of Masoala National Park in northern Madagascar. Habitat protection is critical for this species’ survival—it is listed as Vulnerable and populations could be in danger from habitat loss.

Henst’s Goshawks are more often heard than seen—they have a high pitched, piercing call that is regularly used during breeding season. Our Madagascar Program monitors this Vulnerable forest hawk, keeping track of population sizes and breeding success. Given the large home range size and low densities of the Henst’s Goshawk, it is particularly vulnerable to population declines from deforestation. Our Madagascar Program has been working to protect critical forest habitat for raptors like the Henst’s Goshawk throughout Madagascar.