Spatial distribution of raptors and conservation planning.
This study’s main goal was to identify suitable habitats for five
endangered raptors while also taking protected areas into account for
their preservation. Priority areas, which are pivotal habitat for the
five species, were mostly found in Kenya’s south, southwest, and central
regions. This might be a result of Kenya’s diverse range of
environmental conditions. For instance, temperatures in the northern and
eastern parts of the country can reach 33oC with
little to no rainfall (less than 100 mm each season, . In contrast,
South central and South western regions of the nation experience
slightly lower temperatures, with highs up to 25°C and more
precipitation overall of more than 200 mm in every season . The western
and south central regions of Kenya, extending to the north central
region, can be recognized for a program of raptor conservation as a
result of the modeled results, particularly when comparing potential
distributions under current conditions and when overlaying with nature
reserves. The Central, Western, and South Western regions of Kenya had
the highest taxa, phylogenetic, and rich diversity of terrestrial
animals, according to . However, preventing human encroachment on animal
habitats may be difficult because these areas are surrounded by buffer
zones that are densely populated and farmed.
All five raptor species studied here had at least some of their niche
outside protected areas; with Secretarybird having the highest
proportion outside protected areas at 77.57% and the Southern ground
hornbill having the lowest distribution outside protected areas at
49.64%. The Southern ground hornbill fared best, with almost half of
its core range protected (50.35%), followed by the Bateleur at 41.45%,
and all other species below 37%, with the Secretarybird having the
lowest protection (22.43%). The vast majority of priority habitats for
Kenya’s five raptors are located outside of protected area networks,
which is consistent with recent research showing that raptors exist
outside of protected areas in Kenya and are in decline . , who modeled
Eastern and Central European birds that are endangered or threatened
came to similar conclusions. The author’s research discovered vulnerable
bird focal points outside of protected areas in Eastern Central and
Europe. Birds like the Secretarybird, which have suitable niches in
Central Kenya, would quickly disappear if grasslands were transformed to
agricultural production as nesting season disturbance would increase,
like observed.