Rapid Global Deforestation Leaves Forest‐Dependent Raptors With Half of Their Suitable Habitat Remaining

Abstract

Raptors—a group that includes hawks, eagles, owls, and vultures—are among the most imperiled vertebrates, with over half of species declining and one‐fifth threatened with extinction. Most raptors depend on forests for survival, yet the extent and consequences of recent deforestation within their ranges remain poorly understood. We analyzed high‐resolution global data on forest change between 2001 and 2023 within the ranges of 369 forest‐dependent raptor species. On average, these species have lost 10% of forest within their ranges since 2001. Seventy‐seven species had already lost at least 15% of additional forest cover within their ranges in the latter half of the 20th century. Currently, only 52% of forest cover remains within forest‐dependent species' ranges on average, with many forest specialists retaining less than 25% cover. Forest‐dependent raptors listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN have lost the most forest and now retain the least forest cover within their ranges. Shifting agriculture is the primary driver of forest loss—particularly in tropical Africa and South America—followed by commodity‐driven deforestation in Southeast Asia. Because forest loss is frequently used as a proxy for extinction risk for raptors, our findings have direct applications for species threat assessments, regional conservation priorities, and global biodiversity commitments.

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