Simon Thomsett, a vet at the Soysambu Raptor Centre in Kenya, is caring for an injured bateleur, an eagle species at risk of extinction in the African savannah. The bird was brought to the shelter in the Maasai Mara national park with an injury to its wing. Thomsett explains that the raptor population in Africa has plummeted by 90 percent in the last 40 years, making the sanctuary a crucial refuge for these birds that are struggling to survive in the wild.
One of the main reasons for the decline in raptor populations is the poisoning of livestock carcasses by cattle farmers, which inadvertently kills vultures and other scavengers. Deforestation and power lines also pose threats to birds of prey, leading to fatal accidents as they hunt for food. The negative perception of birds of prey, such as vultures being viewed as dirty and ugly, has also contributed to their declining numbers. This image problem has led some communities to kill these birds, believing they bring bad luck.
Shiv Kapila, who manages a bird sanctuary at the Naivasha national park, is working to change the perception of birds of prey and educate the public about their importance in the ecosystem. Through school trips and community outreach programs, he hopes to shift public opinion about these majestic birds. Vet Juliet Waiyaki, who works at the Naivasha sanctuary, acknowledges the challenges of her work in saving injured birds, questioning if their efforts make a significant impact in the face of such massive declines in population numbers.
Despite the challenges and threats facing birds of prey in Africa, there is room for optimism according to Thomsett. He points to the success stories of injured birds that have been rehabilitated and released back into the wild, some even returning to visit him years later. The staff at the Naivasha sanctuary work tirelessly to rescue and treat injured raptors, with a significant number of patients eventually recovering enough to be released back into their natural habitats. Through their efforts, they hope to make a difference in the conservation of these magnificent birds that are integral to the ecosystem.
Thomsett highlights the importance of ongoing conservation efforts and the need to continue educating the public about the value of birds of prey in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. By raising awareness and changing perceptions, conservationists like Thomsett and Kapila strive to protect these vulnerable species and ensure their survival in the face of increasing threats. Despite the challenges they face, the dedicated staff at these sanctuaries remain committed to their mission of saving and rehabilitating injured birds of prey, offering hope for the future of these majestic creatures in Africa.
