Raptors are at risk all across the globe, with more than 50% of species in decline. Through our Global Raptor Research and Conservation Grant, we are collaborating with local biologists to conduct the research necessary to discover why these birds are disappearing and what changes we can make to reverse declines. For our 2025 grant cycle, we received 35+ applications focused on nearly 20 different species. Of those submissions, we selected a project on an owl, an eagle, and two different vulture species. Let us introduce you to the four programs we are supporting this cycle.
Asia
Winduchcharige Lasal Dewmika Rathnasooriya, Serendib Scops-owl, Sri Lanka
Only discovered by ornithologists in 2004, the Serendib Scops-owl is an incredibly hard owl to find. This Endangered species has low numbers and fragmented habitat, explaining why little is known about the bird’s ecology and behavior. Lasal is taking on the challenge of conducting the first-ever comprehensive study on the reproductive ecology of the Serendib Scops-owl within one of its most prominent habitats, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Lasal will use a combination of methods, including playbacks, observational surveys, and camera traps, to uncover the secrets of this elusive species.
Sunny Joshi, Pallas’s Fish-eagle, India
Previously one of the most common raptors along freshwater sources throughout Asia, the Pallas’s Fish-eagle is now extremely rare within its range. This Endangered species is also incredibly data deficient, even being called the least understood eagle in the northern hemisphere. Sunny is taking on the challenge of filling these knowledge gaps by mapping feeding sites, identifying nesting locations, and recording the threats they face in the Terai Arc Landscape of India. Sunny is taking it one step further, ensuring community participation during his surveys through education efforts.
Africa
Kiros Welegerima, Rüppell’s Vulture, Ethiopia
Scavengers, like vultures, play an essential role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Without them clearing carcasses, humans and wildlife risk contracting disease. Research like Kiros’ on the Critically Endangered Rüppell’s Vultures is essential to helping restore declining populations. Kiros aims to conduct some of the first population surveys in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, in order to assess their population and distribution and identify threats through observations and focus groups. His findings will help formulate better recommendations for conservation action locally. Finally, he aims to establish and train local Volunteer Vulture Monitoring Groups to establish ongoing monitoring and provide an educational opportunity.
Michael Manja Williams, Hooded Vulture, Nigeria
As African vulture populations continue to deteriorate due to belief-based use, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat destruction, now more than ever, we must prioritize protecting remaining populations. Michael plans to monitor the remaining vulture populations in two of Nigeria’s coastal states, with a focus on Hooded Vultures. To accomplish this, he plans to use a combination of technology and community involvement. Using a phone-based reporting app, Michael plans to engage and empower local communities to monitor and protect vultures. This grant will be used to provide cell phones and training to enable the reporting of vulture sightings, nests, and threats.
This year’s finalists were selected by a panel of six of HawkWatch International’s (HWI) scientists, one HWI board member and raptor biologist, Dr. Fidel Atuo, and Assistant Professor Arjun Amar from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology.
If you want to support this program and provide funding for local biologists researching some of the most at-risk species, make a gift today: https://hawkwatch.org/donate/
This blog was written by Sammy Riccio, HWI’s Communications Manager. You can learn more about Sammy here.
