Raptor population decline in West Africa

The roadside counts conducted in 1969–1973 through Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and northern Cameroon (9 712km) were repeated in 2000–2004 by the same observer, using the same methods, during the same season. Overall, 28 837 Falconiforms from 51 species were recorded. The four large vultures decreased dramatically (98%) outside protected areas. The Hooded Vulture also collapsed over wide regions, but survived locally. Medium-size and large eagles, and the Secretary Bird, similarly declined >90% outside, but not inside, national parks, where woodland species also reach their highest frequency. Other African raptors were either stable or decreased significantly (e.g. Black Kite and Chanting Goshawk 35–70%). Among Palaearctic migrants, Common and Lesser Kestrels declined sharply, Short-toed Eagle, Montagu's and Pallid Harriers less significantly, and Marsh Harrier and Booted Eagle increased. Widespread habitat degradation, overgrazing, desertification, hunting pressure and heavy use of pesticides are probably involved in this massive loss of biodiversity. Protected areas, though covering 98%). Le percnoptère brun ne se maintient plus que dans quelques régions. Les grands aigles et le serpentaire ont aussi diminué de >90% en dehors, mais non à l'intérieur, des parcs nationaux où tous les rapaces liés aux boisements atteignent leur abondance maximale. Les autres rapaces africains sont restés stables ou ont diminué significativement (35 à 70% pour le Milan noir et l'autour chanteur par exemple). Parmi les migrateurs paléarctiques, crécerelle et crécerellette ont fortement diminué, circaète et busards cendré et pâle ont diminué modérément, tandis que busard des roseaux et aigle botté ont augmenté. Dégradation générale des habitats, surpâturage, désertification, pression de chasse et utilisation des pesticides sont probablement impliqués dans ces diminutions qui reflètent une érosion générale de la biodiversité. Les aires protégées, bien qu'elles couvren