1. RAPTOR RESEARCH & CONSERVATION FOUNDATION Conservation through research to ensure stable wild populations of the various species of Asian birds of prey. Raptors are the Litmus Test of the viability of the varied habitats they occupy and are represented as symbolic emblems of power in cultures throughout the world. We shall endeavour to augment existing knowledge of raptor biology and ecology, and through scientific research, work towards maintaining suitably large diverse habitats, preserve biological diversity and prevent any extinction. Disseminate knowledge gained to ornithologists, pertinent Government Agencies and, through education and awareness, the public at large. R.R.C.F Our Mission

2. RAPTOR RESEARCH & CONSERVATION FOUNDATION GENERAL INFORMATION Out of 313 species of diurnal birds of prey India’s bio-geographical zones support 69 species of kites, vultures, eagles, harriers, hawks, buzzards and falcons utilising all suitable habitats. 59% of our raptors are solely resident; 16% migratory; 5% vagrant; 19% resident and migratory. Raptors that were once common throughout our countryside are disappearing rapidly and sightings have reduced drastically. For instance, preliminary studies have already shown that breeding of a number of raptors, such as the Lesser Fish Eagle, Ichthyophaga humilis have declined drastically in their strongholds. In addition, India has 32 species of owls and these being nocturnal are even less studied. In many parts of the country they are persecuted as perceived to be harbingers of evil. R.R.C.F

3. Objectives 1. To carry out detailed studies of south Asian birds of prey and promote their conservation. These studies will help identify future threats to the survival of our raptor species and suggest remedial measures required. The acquired scientific information would be communicated to the scientific community, concerned Government departments and local communities. 2. To educate the general populace to appreciate and conserve these magnificent aerial predators, the ‘flagship’ role they play in nature at the apex of the food chain and suggest appropriate conservation methods to prevent their decline and extinction. A healthy diversity of raptors translates into sizeable, diverse, robust eco-systems which consequently benefits human existence. 3. To form a core group of talented and dedicated researchers and for this purpose to open establish, conduct, manage and provide facilities and finance for research and training for raptor biologists. 4. To collaborate on projects with other ornithological and raptor-centric research institutions and individuals in India and abroad having similar objectives and particular skills. 5. To establish liaison and make representations to the decision-makers in the Government of India, State Governments, forest departments, local and public authorities, research- based conservation bodies in India and abroad with respect to policy issues in ensuring the survival of raptor species and prevent practices deleterious to the environment in general. R.R.C.F

4. RAPTOR RESEARCH & CONSERVATION FOUNDATION 6. To initiate a conservation department with dedicated staff who will translate field research into conservation initiatives by liaising with Ministry of environment & Forests (MOEF), forest departments and conservation agencies. This department will publicize the role of raptors in maintaining a healthy eco-system and work with committed NGO’s and local communities. 7. To avail of the latest technologies such as colour tagging, ringing, satellite and radio tracking to further our understanding of raptor migration, local movements, foraging range and territory size. To carry out non-invasive genetic studies of endangered and/or elusive species. 8. To organize funding for projects from Ministry of Environments & Forests (MOEF), Government of India & State Governments, the corporate sector and from abroad. 9. To disseminate information affecting raptors and to propagate realistic points of view amongst the public, local bodies, Government authorities and institutions, parliament and/or State Legislative Assemblies or any other public body for facilitating, conferring with, and ascertaining the views of these bodies matters directly or indirectly affecting the research and conservation of raptors. R.R.C.F Objectives (Contd.)

5.  Raptors as predators comprise the top link in the ecological chain.  Environmental barometers, their populations indicate health of the environments they occupy, either through habitat destruction and pesticides entering their food chain affecting reproductive cycles. The drastic decline in populations of five species of Gyps vultures is a classic case study.  Effective predators, they keep a constant check on populations of amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds – also on themselves.  As raptors occupy every conceivable type of habitat – forests, grasslands, deserts, mountains, coastlines, riverine systems – the degradation of various habitat-types are causing accelerated decline in numbers in many areas.  Studies of raptor biology and ecology in India have been largely neglected. There has been no sustained research on most resident and wintering species. RAPTOR RESEARCH & CONSERVATION FOUNDATION R.R.C.F Why Study Raptors?

7.  The single most threat to raptors is habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation. Habitat-specific raptors are more at risk than generalist raptors e.g. wetland dependant fish and sea eagles (Osprey, Greater Spotted, Western Marsh Harrier); inhabiting a variety of habitats (Kites, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Vultures, Short-toed Eagle, Shikra, Kestrel); dense forest dependant raptors (Bazas, Crested Goshawk, Black and Rufous-bellied Eagles, etc); mountain and hill-forest (Goshawk, Mountain-hawk Eagle, Golden Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Bearded Vulture); open habitat raptors – Desert/Semi-arid zones include common plains Vultures, Harriers, Black- shouldered Kites, Short-toed Eagles, Laggar and Saker Falcons.  Environmental pollutants: Environmental contaminants are the greatest cause of pre-hatching mortality. The use of Organochlorine pesticides such as DDT has affected raptors on a global scale and have had negative effects on raptor reproduction. Large numbers of raptors which have fed on insects and rodents in pesticide sprayed fields have been found dead. Cumulative toxins not intended as poison e.g. DDE, PCBs, mercury (implicated in population declines and breeding failures) could be lethal to raptors. R.R.C.F Threats to Raptors

8.  Power Lines: problem of electrocution is more acute in open habitats, e.g., desert, semi-arid and areas of Deccan Plateau as natural perches are scarce. Large raptors are more vulnerable as their open wings easily span the gap between live connections when alighting or taking off.  Prevention of Trade: capture of live raptors for trade is extensive mainly in North India and Hyderabad. Falcons i.e.,Laggars, Sakers and Peregrines are caught as they command a high price in the West Asian markets. Only rigidly enforced laws and regulations will be required to stop this illegal trade.  Fratricide: Sequential hatching results in marked difference in body size of nestlings in a brood at times resulting in first-hatched (largest) nestling killing one or more of its younger siblings especially, when prey is scarce. R.R.C.F Threats to Raptors (cont.)

9.  Long-distance migration is beset with many dangers, and raptors are vulnerable on these journeys.  Numbers of migratory raptors are decreasing. Study of raptor migration remains an active challenge. Vulnerable stretches along incoming and return migratory routes, including raptor wintering sites need to be identified and protected with co-operation of countries through which raptors migrate. We need to know more about their wintering ecology before we can protect them such as status, distribution, habitat and prey utilisation, flight strategies, survival and mortality rates, and interaction and effect on resident species.  Yearly counts provide a good indication of numbers and species composition. Population trends based on counts monitored over the long term period. Inventory of stopover resting points and wintering refuges, estimates of minimum area required for functioning of each biotope prepared for protection of important wintering habitats. R.R.C.F Migration Studies

10.  Breeding period varies, coincides with prey availability; 60 to 90 days for small/medium-sized raptors; 6 to 8 months for very large eagles. Courtship displays begin at outset of the breeding season and involve dazzling undulating flight – diving sharply up to 300m and rising with the momentum. Large species make large nests on trees. Some species e.g. Bonelli’s nests on cliffs and trees. Falcons don’t build nests, eggs laid on a cliff ledge, also hollow tree or disused nests of birds. Shaheen Falcons often nest on building ledges in cities. A large nest of a Changeable Hawk-eagle measured – inner diameter 1.3m; circumference 3.45m; depth 35cm.  Larger raptors lay small clutches; smaller raptors larger clutches. Clutch size largely influenced by available food supply. Female mostly incubates longer than males.  Once eggs hatch female mostly broods young. Males hunting rate increases.  Fledged young of large raptors become nest-independent at 45 to 48 days.  Not all juveniles survive their first-year post nest-independence. R.R.C.F Breeding

11. Enhance understanding of raptors through research and the role they play as indicators of the health of an ecosystem.  Daily routine and energy budgets through dawn to dusk observations.  Habitat requirements and territories of different species; suitable habitats covering a wide range of biotopes with a good representative breeding density need to be identified and protected against harmful human disturbances and activities.  Breeding biology and ecology.  Productivity parameters: Clutch size - brood size - fledging success.  Related parameters: Percentage of population attempting nesting – age at first breeding – number of broods per year – age of sexual maturation – reproductive strategies.  Survival and mortality rates: Pre-fledging mortality – Post-fledging mortality. R.R.C.F Research Priorities for Conservation

12. Mortality factors: Environmental contaminants – Fratricide – Weather – Electrocution – Predation Food habits: Prey taken throughout the year – through pellets – direct observations on nest and non-breeding season – seasonal differences in prey preferences. Niche relationships: Niche width – Niche overlap – Electivity (factors determining proportional use of a food type). Energetics: Metabolic rate – ingestion rate – growth rate – energy budgets. Predation: Studying optimal feeding strategies involve 3 phases – searching, pursuit, feeding. Foraging areas identified as raptors are selective in areas they hunt. Strong positive correlation between size of feeding territory and body weight. Long-term studies on population status and community composition of raptors from specific different biogeographic zones. Regular surveys and census to determine status, distribution and density of lesser known and uncommon species. R.R.C.F Research Priorities for Conservation (Contd.)

13. We will move to our new location soon:- Raptor Research & Conservation Foundation Godrej & Boyce Premises Next to Stone Source Old Mumbai Gas Work Lane Lalbaug, Parel, Mumbai 400 012. India Tel.: +91 22 2471 3380 / 2471 3381 Email: rrcf@raptors.org.inrrcf@raptors.org.in Website: www.raptors.org.in (under construction)www.raptors.org.in RAPTOR RESEARCH & CONSERVATION FOUNDATION R.R.C.F