The main species studied will be the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), Southern Caracara (Caracara plancus) and the infamous and very rare Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) or locally known Johnny Rook.

The project picks up from the 6 month Darwin Initiative scoping study conducted in 2010 investigating raptors/livestock interactions of ten farmers as well as initiating a tracking programme (Read here for the project summary).

Farmers and landowners have the unique role as custodians of the environment. The ability to understand conflicts between livelihoods and the overall safeguarding of raptor populations is paramount. During the first scoping project in 2010 all of the ten farming individuals spoken with were keen to see changes in the management of raptors to alleviate problems with livestock whilst having the least detrimental impact upon wildlife.

Working in alliance with the farming community and with the extensive expertise from the participating organisations the project aims to provide support and advice based on thorough and rigorous scientific observations. In addition, it will reveal the lives of raptors and improve our understanding of their ecology and population movements in the Falklands.

Anyone wishing for more information on the project is welcome to contact the project officer Micky Reeves.