Although it is clear that raptors are declining across the continent, we still have a limited understanding of what specific threats are most detrimental to each species. Knowledge of raptor populations starts with an understanding of their population dynamics, their breeding and survival, and how these are influenced by humans and their environment. Apart from counting raptors, we also study raptor breeding rates by locating their nest sites and observing breeding success.

OUR IMPACT: 24,000 kilometers of roads surveyed, 30 years of raptor data collected, over 300 raptor nests monitored annually

Martial Eagle perched in grass

Ralph Buij

Africa's Raptors are in Crisis

Our Solutions

In the Masai Mara of southern Kenya, we partner with The Mara Raptor Project to understand which factors determine nest success of Martial Eagles and a large variety of other raptors.

Mackinder's Eagle Owl perched on a rock face

Darcy Ogada

Our Solutions

We collaborate with Kenya’s “Owl Man,” Paul Muriithi, to monitor threats to breeding owls, most notably the illicit trade in owls and their eggs for belief-based use. Paul also monitors the breeding success of a small number of Mackinder’s Eagle Owl pairs in central Kenya, which are frequently targeted by egg collectors, and is attempting to rediscover a small population of Abysinnian Owl on Mt Kenya.

Aerial photo of dozens of Ruppell's Vultures on a cliff face

Martin Odino

Our Solutions

Over the past 20 years we have conducted regular surveys to count critically endangered Rüppell’s Vultures at their largest breeding colonies in Kenya. This work began in southern Kenya, at Kwenia, and continues with twice annual aerial surveys at three large colonies in northern Kenya. Understanding the breeding dynamics of this species provides important scientific insights into a rarely studied species that is under increasing threat due to the construction of wind farms in important flyways. This data also allows us to measure the success of our anti-poisoning activities. 

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