Raptors – Birds of Prey

Abstract: Raptors are a diverse avian guild distributed worldwide and adapted to different environments. They have attracted a strong interest from scientists because of their conservation status and ecology. Raptors provide critical ecosystem services based on their role in natural food chains. They have evolved ecologically to specialize and adapt to different habitats and food resources. They are subject to a wide range of biological, ecological, and evolutionary studies. At present, this guild of birds faces a high risk of extinction due to numerous threats. They stand at the top of the trophic pyramids and are normally distributed at low densities over vast areas. Birds of prey play a crucial role in the conservation of ecosystems and are assumed as flagship species in relation to other taxa. Understanding and studying their demography, abundance, diet, resource selection, movements, ecological requirements, adaptive capacity, and the threats they face, will provide valuable information about the current ecosystem functioning and status.