Global raptor research and conservation priorities: Tropical raptors fall prey to knowledge gaps

Evan R Buechley,Marco Girardello,Andrea Santangeli,Christopher J.W Mcclure,Çagan H Şekercioğlu,Montague H.C Neate‐Clegg,Dave Oleyar,Diederik Strubbe

doi:10.1111/ddi.12901

Abstract

AbstractAimRaptors serve critical ecological functions, are particularly extinction‐prone and are often used as environmental indicators and flagship species. Yet, there is no global framework to prioritize research and conservation actions on them. We identify for the first time the factors driving extinction risk and scientific attention on raptors and develop a novel research and conservation priority index (RCPI) to identify global research and conservation priorities.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe use random forest models based on ecological traits and extrinsic data to identify the drivers of risk and scientific attention in all raptors. We then map global research and conservation priorities. Lastly, we model where priorities fall relative to country‐level human social indicators.ResultsRaptors with small geographic ranges, scavengers, forest‐dependent species and those with slow life histories are particularly extinction‐prone. Research is extremely biased towards a small fraction of raptor species: 10 species (1.8% of all raptors) account for one‐third of all research, while one‐fifth of species have no publications. Species with small geographic ranges and those inhabiting less developed countries are greatly understudied. Regions of Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia are identified as particularly high priority for raptor research and conservation. These priorities are highly concentrated in developing countries, indicating a global mismatch between priorities and capacity for research and conservation.Main conclusionsA redistribution of scientific attention and conservation efforts towards developing tropical countries and the least‐studied, extinction‐prone species is critical to conserve raptors and their ecological functions worldwide. We identify clear taxonomic and geographic research and conservation priorities for all raptors, and our methodology can be applied across other taxa to prioritize scientific investment.

Highlights

The impact of human activities on ecosystems worldwide has led to a biodiversity crisis (Barnosky et al, 2011)
Because bio‐ diversity and threats are unevenly distributed around the globe, and funding for biodiversity conservation is limited, identifying drivers of extinction risk and prioritizing funding, research and conservation efforts is critical to maximize the efficacy of in‐ vestments (Brooks et al, 2006)
We developed a novel Research and Conservation Priority Index (RCPI) that combines scientific attention with conservation priority (Red List status) of each species

Summary

Introduction

The impact of human activities on ecosystems worldwide has led to a biodiversity crisis (Barnosky et al, 2011). Because bio‐ diversity and threats are unevenly distributed around the globe, and funding for biodiversity conservation is limited, identifying drivers of extinction risk and prioritizing funding, research and conservation efforts is critical to maximize the efficacy of in‐ vestments (Brooks et al, 2006). Such conserva‐ tion prioritization mechanisms are increasingly being put into practice on the ground to increase the efficacy of conservation investments (Sinclair et al, 2018)

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Discussion

Conclusion