Distribution of Endangered Raptors in Relation to Climate Change Scenarios and Overhead Power Line Risks in Kenya
Abstract
Many raptor species face threats such as electrocution, collisions, and habitat fragmentation, and
their distribution patterns remain poorly understood. However, climate change also poses a
significant threat to global biodiversity, affecting numerous species worldwide including raptors.
Raptors are particularly important for studying the effects of climate change due to their
widespread distribution, ecological significance, and potential role as flagship species.
Understanding the current and future distribution of these species is essential for effective
conservation strategies. Leveraging species distribution models and occurrence data from the
Global Biodiversity Information Facility, this study evaluated suitable habitats for four endangered
raptor species in Kenya: the Martial eagle, Secretarybird, Bateleur, and Steppe Eagle. The study
considered two climate change scenarios for the period 2020-2040. Results indicate that raptor
distribution in Kenya is concentrated in the south-western region, extending into the central region,
with precipitation during the warmest quarter influencing the Steppe Eagle and Secretarybird,
mean temperature during the driest quarter affecting the Martial eagle, and precipitation during the
coldest quarter primarily influencing the Bateleur. When projecting models into climate change
scenarios, all species except the Bateleur exhibited a negative range shift, indicating potential
adverse impacts of climate change. In parallel, developing countries like Kenya are witnessing
rapid expansion of electrical infrastructure to meet increasing energy demands, prompting a critical
need to assess potential impacts on avian biodiversity. Through an integrated approach, this study
assessed electrocution and collision risk hotspots in Kenya, identifying raptor species highly
susceptible to these risks. Meru and Kiambu counties emerged as high-risk areas, highlighting the
overlap between high-risk buffer zones and areas with high raptor species distribution. However,
existing policies related to wildlife conservation, climate change, and energy lack acknowledgment
of threats posed by power lines and other man-made infrastructure, indicating a significant policy
gap. Addressing these gaps is crucial for effective wildlife conservation and sustainable
development efforts. The need for greater integration of wildlife conservation considerations into
energy and infrastructure planning processes is emphasized to mitigate adverse impacts on avian
species and their habitats.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
- Faculty of Arts [979]
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