Our Projects
Innovative projects for raptor conservation in Africa
Our work is based on an integrative approach that combines various measures to ensure the sustainable conservation of birds of prey. Below we present our three main projects:
1. Rehabilitation centers & field work
We plan to establish modern rescue centers in strategically important regions of Africa. Here, injured or poisoned birds of prey will receive state-of-the-art medical care and be prepared for reintroduction. In parallel, our teams will conduct active fieldwork – monitoring populations, identifying critical habitats, and implementing targeted conservation measures to preserve the natural habitat of birds of prey.
The Society for the Protection of Birds of Prey – Raptor Conservation Initiative places great value on close involvement with local communities. Our goal is to ensure that all positions required to manage our rescue centers are filled with qualified professionals from the region. This not only ensures effective local conservation but also offers direct career prospects and future opportunities for the people of the region.
Employee training is a top priority for us: We offer comprehensive training and continuing education to ensure that the necessary expertise in animal care and environmental management is available on-site. All employees also receive fair and appropriate compensation, ensuring they not only benefit from their work but also remain motivated in the long term.
We also plan to create internships and part-time jobs for school and university students, giving young people the opportunity to gain practical experience and support themselves financially. This combination of training, fair compensation, and job prospects will contribute to both the conservation of birds of prey and the sustainable development of the local community.
2. Research & Monitoring
Our research activities are primarily carried out by local universities and dedicated early-career scientists on site. The goal is to specifically support young scientists in Africa and provide them with opportunities to conduct hands-on research in the field of raptor conservation. International collaborations, especially with European research institutions, enable a valuable exchange of knowledge and methods.
Key research projects include:
- Population Monitoring: Recording population sizes, nesting sites, and migration patterns using GPS tracking, telemetry, and drone technology.
- Habitat and Threat Analysis: Investigating key habitats and identifying threats such as poisoning, habitat loss, illegal hunting, or electrocution on power lines.
- Isotope and Trace Element Analysis: By analyzing feathers, tissue, and other samples, we can trace the origin, migration routes, food sources, and environmental exposures of raptors in detail. These methods provide valuable information about living conditions and help develop targeted conservation measures.
- Investigation of Poisoning Cases: Analyzing samples to identify the causes and spread of poisoning incidents and to develop prevention strategies.
- Citizen Science Projects: Involving the local population in data collection and monitoring to expand knowledge about raptors and raise awareness for their protection.
Through these research projects, we not only strengthen the local scientific infrastructure but also create sustainable opportunities for young researchers who are committed to long-term raptor conservation.
3. Education and enlightenment
Our educational and awareness-raising activities are primarily aimed at schools, young people, and the general population in our project regions. We aim to strengthen awareness of the importance of raptors directly on site, through school programs, workshops, excursions, and citizen science projects in which people can actively participate in research.
A particular focus is on involving local communities, sharing knowledge, and inspiring enthusiasm for nature conservation. At the same time, we are also active internationally (especially in Germany) using lectures, media outreach, and educational projects to foster understanding and support for raptor conservation in Africa.
In this way, we build a bridge between people on the ground and an international community of supporters, working together to preserve biodiversity.