	The Hawk Conservancy Trust Charity No: 1092349 - Company No: 4304161
	Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire. SP11 8DY, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1264 773850. Fax: +44 (0) 1264 773772. Email info@hawkconservancy.org

UK field projects

There are a number of field research projects underway at the HCT. All of our conservation projects have corresponding research programmes which aim to provide information relevant to the management of the species in question.

Here is some information about current areas of research:

Analysis of the distribution and frequency of raptor mortality factors

Aim: To understand where and how often raptors are injured or killed

Outcomes:

Distribution map of high risk areas for raptor populations
Information with which to approach land managers (e.g. local councils, farmers, estate owners) and discuss possible habitat modifications

Benefits:

Proactive role in developing methods to alleviate raptor deaths and injuries
Formation of partnerships with various land managers and opportunity to function in a consultative role with respect to habitat management for raptors
Use of hospital admissions data as an indicator of wild populations

Post-release survival of rehabilitated raptors

Aim: To assess the efficacy of treatment methods and measure the success of rehabilitated raptors once released back to the wild.

Outcomes:

A clear understanding of post release survival for rehabilitated raptors of different species that have experienced different injuries and treatments

Benefits:

Refined treatment and release techniques
The ability to communicate about the rehabilitation process and the fate of patients released from the hospital

Kestrel and buzzard distribution vs. land use

Aim: To understand how the distribution and success of kestrels and buzzards relates to different land use types

Outcomes:

An understanding of the reasons for the significant decline in the kestrel population versus the increase in the buzzard population
Identification of important kestrel habitat

Benefits:

Significant research contribution to conservation efforts for dramatically declining kestrels
Increased efficiency for nest box placement

Comment: It is important to understand further why the population of kestrels is in decline, whilst buzzards are increasing.

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	A web site last modified on Wednesday, 8 September, 2010