Raptors are an unusual success story of wildness thriving in the heart of our cities-they have developed substantial populations around the world in recent decades. But there are deeper issues around how these birds make their urban homes. New research provides insight into the role of raptors as vital members of the urban ecosystem and future opportunities for protection, management, and environmental education.
A cutting-edge synthesis of over two decades of scientific research, Urban Raptors is the first book to offer a complete overview of urban ecosystems in the context of bird-of-prey ecology and conservation. This comprehensive volume examines urban environments, explains why some species adapt to urban areas but others do not, and introduces modern research tools to help in the study of urban raptors. It also delves into climate change adaptation, human-wildlife conflict, and the unique risks birds of prey face in urban areas before concluding with real-world wildlife management case studies and suggestions for future research and conservation efforts.
Boal and Dykstra have compiled the go-to single source of information on urban birds of prey. Among researchers, urban green space planners, wildlife management agencies, birders, and informed citizens alike, Urban Raptors will foster a greater understanding of birds of prey and an increased willingness to accommodate them as important members, not intruders, of our cities.
"I recommend this contribution for scientists, raptor/nature enthusiasts, urban wildlife biologists and planners working for agencies, and nonprofit organizations interested in or working in the fields of urban wildlife education and management. Further, I feel that raptor and wildlife rehabilitators and organizations would greatly benefit by having this volume on hand and available for their many volunteers. Finally, some of the case studies discussed in this book provide an ideal resource and could be used to develop formal programs on how to employ raptors effectively as ambassadors to connect the public with nature and to improve the public's understanding of the importance of protecting all functioning ecosystems." "Every section of the book is worth reading...Urban Raptors has the potential to be a tremendous resource and reference for anyone curious about the ecology of birds of prey in urban environments." "The editors, Clint W. Boal and Cheryl R. Dykstra, assembled a heavy-hitter list of authors who intimately know urban raptors from years of hands-on work climbing nest trees in residential yards, relocating birds from airports, or interfacing with the public on behalf of raptors. This book will prove useful as a reference for future research and as a hands-on guide for solving human-raptor conflicts." "Authoritative and engaging...The strength of Urban Raptors is its ability to quickly bring the scientist up to date on our understanding of charismatic, apex avian predators...I recommend Urban Raptors to a broad readership. Experienced scientists will find a cornucopia of novel adjustments to urban life by birds we rarely consider innovative or behaviorally flexible. Students will be led to exciting and approachable research questions with conservation implications...The lay reader will also find much to enjoy as they learn about the variety of diurnal and nocturnal predators that share their world." "The book is informative and and is an important read for students and academics researching urban raptors...I would certainly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about raptors, urban wildlife or birds in general." "Valuable reading for raptor enthusiasts, enthusiasts conservationists, and anyone interested in engaging stakeholders." "Urban Raptors is a single source for information on urban birds of prey....outstanding and nicely illustrated." "Drawing on experts from around the world, Urban Raptors gives readers-wildlife professionals and birders
