Meet Some of the Raptors We are Working to Save

We have been working with Ridgway's Hawks since 2002. Our initial efforts included surveying for the species in areas of its historic distribution in Dominican Republic, building local capacity, and conducting some environmental education activities. Since 2011 we have been engaged in a persistent, holistic effort to conserve this species using scientific study, reintroductions, capacity building, and environmental education to learn more about the species and mitigate its most urgent threats. 

Owls in general, are often pereceived as "witches" or evil omens. Also, there is a widespread belief that these owls try to mate with chickens, and instead pass them a disease which pervents the hens from laying eggs. Our education efforts focus on providing factual information about all birds of prey, including owls, to help dispell some misconceptions about Ashy-faced Owl ecology and behavior. 

Red-tailed Hawks are found throughout much of Hispaniola. They are heavily persecuted because people fear they will prey on chickens and other domestic fowl. They are also often trapped and held in captivity for sale or to be kept as pets. We have a Red-tailed Hawk, Amazona, on our Avian Ambassador team, and our environmental education program focuses heavily on educating people about the importance of these raptors and how to help protect them. We also provide chicken coops free of charge to households experiencing loss of domestic fowl. 

Osprey can be seen around the coastlines and major waterways on the island. Community members have told us that, when they see an Osprey with a fish, they used to shoot it to steal the fish and also eat the Osprey. They may also be persecuted if they are seen as competition with fisherman or if they fish in commercial fish ponds. Our education program focuses on the importance of protecting all birds of prey on the island. 

American Kestrels are quite common around much of the island. They are often viewed as chicken hunters and we have seen many occasions where nestling kestrels are taken by people to be kept as pets. Our education program emphasizes the importance of keeping wild animals wild and the positive role raptors play in the ecosystems in which they live. We also provide chicken coops free of charge to households experiencing loss of domestic fowl. 

These lovely owls are found in some areas on HIspaniola. To our knowledge, they are not heavily persecuted. Our education program helps people identify the different raptor species found on Hispaniola, including these owls. 

Turkey Vultures are common throughout the island. They are not usually the target of human persecution. Our work in environmental education helps teach people about the importance of vultures as nature's clean-up crew and how they can help stop the spread of disease.