The Threat and Rescue of Birds of Prey in Kenya

Birds of prey are not only an attraction but an important part of our ecosystem. Since they primarily feed on meat, it helps regulate the population of their prey. Raptors also clean up the environment and stop the spread of dangerous pests and diseases when they eat carrion.

I paid a visit to The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust in Naivasha, Kenya, and met the director, Shiv Kapila who explained about threats facing Kenya’s birds of prey. The conservationist warns that the declining population of raptors could harm public health and create dangerous ecological imbalances.

Kenya has over 100 species of raptors (both diurnal and nocturnal) due to its equatorial location and variety of habitats. A total of nine species are listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and several of them as endangered, the second highest threat category.

Some of the birds of prey you’ll find in Kenya include vultures, eagles, hawks, owls, buzzards, goshawks, sparrowhawks, harriers, falcons, kestrels, the osprey, and the secretary bird. These birds have specialized beaks and behaviors that enable them to live on prey.

Saving the feathered friends

The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust is a rescue and rehabilitation center for birds of prey. This non-profit organization treats the injured birds and releases them. However, many birds have to live at the sanctuary for the rest of their lives due to severe deformations of their bodies.

Mr Kipala explained, “The birds come here with injured eyes, legs, wings, and neurological problems due to poisons used by farmers to kill predators such as lions and hyenas that attack livestock which ends up being consumed by the birds of prey, this has also killed many birds.”

Dr. Darcy Ogada, conservation biologist and Africa program director at The Peregrine Fund, expresses concern over the loss of some of Africa’s most iconic raptors due to poisoning. She notes that some of them are low breeders and it takes so many years before their population can increase.

Other threats to birds of prey

From my observation, almost all of the birds that are being treated and monitored at the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust are there due to human-inflicted issues. This includes electrocutions and collusions from high-voltage power lines, car accidents, attacks by people, and many more.

Rapid infrastructure development and human settlements in key wildlife areas have threatened the survival of many species. Recently, at least eight cape buffaloes came into contact with low-lying power lines in Lake Nakuru National Park and were all electrocuted.

During my visit to The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust, the African myths about owls were also addressed. Unfortunately, some communities associate this species with bad omen. The misinformation has resulted in many birds being attacked and killed. Owls are beautiful to look at.

Deforestation due to climate change and unprecedented human activities has also resulted in habitat loss for birds of prey. Most of them nest and live in trees which are often cut down illegally for burning charcoal and milling timber. Protecting our forests is one way of saving these species.

Where to see Birds of Prey in Kenya

The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust in Naivasha is undoubtedly the best place to see raptors close up. The trust has in its care about 40 birds some of which are fit to fly again. When you visit, you will have an opportunity to interact with vultures and other raptors and learn more about their character.

This bird rescue center is open to visitors daily at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm by appointment only. They only request a minimum donation of 1000 KES for adults and 500 KES for children under the age of 13. You will meet a dedicated team who handle, feed, and care for the birds in their enclosures.

Getting there

Kenya Bird of Prey Trust is located at Kilimandege Sanctuary on South Lake Road in Naivasha. It’s a two-hour drive from Nairobi. Once you arrive at Naivasha town, navigate to South Lake Road. You will pass by Sopa Lodge on the right, followed by Longonot Farm and the destination is at the next gate on the right.

Final thought

Imagine with no existence of birds of prey, we would have decaying carcasses piling up in our national parks and game reserves. This can result in the spread of diseases to other wildlife. The populations of rodents, small reptiles, and other mammals would also spike to dangerous levels.

Several organizations including The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust, Raptor Working Group, and the Peregrine Fund are working around the clock to protect the populations of all the birds of prey in the country. To harness their conservation efforts, we should embrace the culture of loving our wildlife and protect them from any danger.