Conservation Strategies
_ As top carnivores in a very complex food web, hawks play a crucial role in keeping prey numbers in balance. Being at the top of the food chain also means a lower count in species compared to other animals and organisms found lower on the chain. At one point in time, many of the hawks found in North America, were severely endangered due to the persistent use of DDTS and other harsh chemicals that accumulated in their tissue (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1998, p.5). As many of these chemicals became banned, their numbers began to increase again.
Although this has been a crucial first step in protecting their numbers, many other threats still exist. Hawks are very sensitive to changes in their environment. They are most susceptible to changes that take place near or at their nests, most often in the form of habitat loss and forest fragmentation. Bird Studies Canada and the Royal Ontario Museum have suggested that more effort be made to help document nest locations in areas close to human settlement so that they can be incorporated in any forest management planning.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (1998) reported that species such as the red-shouldered hawk, goshawk , and broad-winged hawk are very susceptible to forest fragmentation resulting in a decline in their numbers. Within the Niagara Region, The Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch has reported that 3 out of the 7 species of hawk found in the region are in decline.. Their numbers are expressed in the graphs seen here.
Although this has been a crucial first step in protecting their numbers, many other threats still exist. Hawks are very sensitive to changes in their environment. They are most susceptible to changes that take place near or at their nests, most often in the form of habitat loss and forest fragmentation. Bird Studies Canada and the Royal Ontario Museum have suggested that more effort be made to help document nest locations in areas close to human settlement so that they can be incorporated in any forest management planning.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (1998) reported that species such as the red-shouldered hawk, goshawk , and broad-winged hawk are very susceptible to forest fragmentation resulting in a decline in their numbers. Within the Niagara Region, The Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch has reported that 3 out of the 7 species of hawk found in the region are in decline.. Their numbers are expressed in the graphs seen here.
Three Important Steps for Niagara: Education, Awareness, and Supporting Local Conservation Authorities.
Niagara, as an important migratory route to many hawk species, must do their part help ensure that their number remains predominant. Educating citizens about the importance of hawks and other birds of prey is a key first step. Each year the Niagara Peninsula Hawk Watch and Niagara Penninsula Conservation Authority team up to encourage the public to come out to the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area for an open house that teaches locals about the annual bird migration. The open house also hosts various educational sessions for children and encourages them to become more involved in bird watching. If you would like to know more about this event please check out this article about last year's open house.
Raising awareness about the significance of hawks in our ecosystem, is an important second step in preserving hawk numbers. Many people, including children, have become so disconnected from nature that they know very little about hawks, or animals, in general. Hosting bird exhibits at elementary schools, community centers or festivals can help raise awareness while educating children and adults.
Volunteering and supporting local conservation clubs such as the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and the Hamilton Conservation Authority helps promote species awareness and respect. Influential figures such as politicians are made aware of current data and conservation efforts through groups such as these, which conduct research and produce professional and scientific journal articles. These groups may also monitor and watch for disturbances or changes that affect a species in a negative way. Links to their websites can be found here.
Raising awareness about the significance of hawks in our ecosystem, is an important second step in preserving hawk numbers. Many people, including children, have become so disconnected from nature that they know very little about hawks, or animals, in general. Hosting bird exhibits at elementary schools, community centers or festivals can help raise awareness while educating children and adults.
Volunteering and supporting local conservation clubs such as the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and the Hamilton Conservation Authority helps promote species awareness and respect. Influential figures such as politicians are made aware of current data and conservation efforts through groups such as these, which conduct research and produce professional and scientific journal articles. These groups may also monitor and watch for disturbances or changes that affect a species in a negative way. Links to their websites can be found here.