Conservation Of The Recently Rediscovered Critically Endangered Ridgways Hawk In Haiti

This project focuses on the conservation of the Critically Endangered Ridgway’s Hawk, a raptor species endemic to the island of Hispaniola. The species was believed to have disappeared from Haiti after the 1960s, until a small population was rediscovered in 2019 on the Les Cayemites Islands off the Haitian coast.

Les Cayemites is a biologically important area designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The landscape includes secondary karst limestone forest, coastal mangroves, and agroforestry systems, providing essential habitat for the hawk and many other species.

The project aims to secure and increase the last known remaining population of Ridgway’s Hawk in Haiti. After successfully assessing population status and protecting the surviving individuals, the next phase focuses on nest management and reducing human-caused mortality. Environmental education and community engagement are key components, designed to train future generations of local biologists and educators to continue protecting the hawk and other wildlife.

Since 2019, fieldwork has documented 26 individuals and four active nests, banded the first nestlings in Haiti, and trained local field biologists. Continued conservation efforts are critical to prevent the species from being lost from Haiti once again.