Status and Conservation of the Raptors in the West Indies: A Review

Julio C. Gallardo; Russell Thorstrom

Status and Conservation of the Raptors in the West Indies: A Review

Julio C. Gallardo^1,* and Russell Thorstrom²

¹Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA. ²The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83705, USA. *Corresponding author.

Caribbean Naturalist, Special Issue No. 2 (2019)

Abstract
The West Indies host a diverse community of raptors whose origins can be traced to North, Central, and South America. In the region, 37 raptor species have been reported, 27 of which are diurnal (Cathartidae, Accipitridae, and Falconidae) and 10 are nocturnal (Tytonidae and Strigidae). Nine species are regional endemics, 6 are non-endemic permanent residents, 6 are migratory, 8 have resident and migratory populations, and 2 are accidental Eurasian species. Three species are considered by BirdLife International as globally threatened. Two are critically endangered (Buteo ridgwayi [Ridgway’s Hawk] and Chondrohierax wilsonii [Cuban Kite]), and 1 is endangered (Accipiter gundlachi [Gundlach’s Hawk]). Here, we provide updates on the status and conservation of all raptors in the West Indies following the work of the indefatigable James Wiley.

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