Are Hawks Endangered?
Some hawk species are endangered. About twenty of the more than 200 species of hawks worldwide are considered endangered. Some individual countries and U.S. states have declared even more endangered or vulnerable species under their own guidelines.
Why Are They Endangered?
The greatest factor endangering hawks is the loss of habitat. Deforestation and urbanization reduce not only food supplies but also available nesting locations. Hawks that prefer wetland habitats are also affected by the drying of wetlands due to damming. As hawks are very reclusive in their nesting practices, disturbance of nesting sites is another frequent culprit of population decline.
Hunting and Poisoning
Some endangered hawks, such as the Hawaiian hawk, are threatened by poaching. They are most often trapped and killed to be stuffed as trophies. Others, such as the red-shouldered hawk, were shot and killed in great numbers by farmers that mistakenly believe the hawks will hunt domestic fowl such as chickens. Certain industrial pesticides, most notably DDT, also caused widespread drops in hawk populations before it was banned in 1972.
How Close To Extinction Are They?
Most species experiencing population declines are described as “threatened” or “vulnerable,” meaning they are not yet endangered but are in trouble. Many constantly teeter between “endangered” and “threatened” status. Only one species of hawk is considered “critically threatened” or about to go extinct in the wild. Ridgway’s hawk, native to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, has been largely wiped out by deforestation and misguided farmers.
Resources
“Protecting Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Ospreys, Treefrogs and other Rare Species – Eaglecam, FalconCam – Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.” Protecting Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Ospreys, Treefrogs and other Rare Species – Eaglecam, FalconCam – Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/
“Audubon WatchList – Hawaiian Hawk.” Audobon. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. http://audubon2.org/watchlist/viewSpecies.jsp?id=101
“Worldwide Endangered Animal List.” Earth’s Endangered Creatures. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. http://www.earthsendangered.com/list.asp
