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.