Studying endangered raptors in Singapore
Raptors, which include buzzards, kites and eagles, are among the largest predators left in Singapore with the extinction of most carnivorous mammals. As apex predators, they play important ecological roles in controlling the populations of prey species in local food chains and are also especially sensitive to environmental changes, as indicated by numerous studies in other countries.
Seven raptor species are known to be resident in Singapore, while many more are migratory. Despite the fact that many of our resident raptors like the White-bellied Sea-Eagle and Changeable Hawk Eagle are commonly observed, there is hardly any research attention on raptors in Singapore and much remains to be learnt of these spectacular birds.
Currently, there are two nationwide studies to determine the national distribution, population and breeding ecology of two of Singapore’s endangered raptors, namely the Changeable Hawk Eagle and the Grey-headed Fish-Eagle.[ Ссылка ]
