29 October, 2023
Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus), one of the African resident species present at wetlands of southern Benin. Photo by Nico Arcilla.
IBCP presented raptor research from Ghana, Togo, and Benin at the latest meeting of the Raptor Research Foundation from 17-22 October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, together with over 300 participants and 150 presentations. We shared highlights of a new publication in a presentation entitled, “Conservation status and prospects of critically endangered vultures in Ghana and Togo,” which will appear in print in the forthcoming issue of the Journal of Raptor Research. We also presented details of ongoing research on Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) in Ghana and Togo. In addition, we presented IBCP-funded research by Abiola Chaffra entitled, “Abundance, distribution, and conservation status of diurnal raptors at southern wetlands of Benin.” This study focused on diurnal birds of prey at two wetland sites listed under the Ramsar convention where few prior surveys have been carried out, and reached an English-speaking audience for the first time at this conference.
White-backed Vultures (Gyps africanus) may be extinct in Togo, but may still be found at Mole National Park, Ghana. Photo by Nico Arcilla.