Quick Answer
No, Rough-legged Hawks are not currently considered endangered. They are classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their global population is estimated to be around 100,000-1,000,000 individuals. However, some local populations have experienced concerning declines that warrant continued monitoring and conservation efforts.
Overview of Rough-legged Hawks
The Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) is a medium to large raptor found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Some key facts about Rough-legged Hawks:
- They breed in Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia.
- They migrate south for the winter, traveling as far as southern Canada and the northern United States.
- They are well adapted to cold climates, with feathers covering their legs and feet.
- They prey primarily on small rodents like lemmings and voles.
- They nest on cliffs, in trees, and sometimes on the ground.
- They are dark brown to black above and white below, with distinctive black wrist patches on their underwings.
Rough-legged Hawk Population and Status
The Rough-legged Hawk has an extremely large range and is found across remote regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Because of this, estimates of the global population size are uncertain but very large, with estimates ranging from 100,000 to over 1 million individuals. The overall population is believed to be stable currently and the species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
However, some local populations have experienced concerning declines, especially in western North America. The breeding population in Alaska declined by over 50% between 1966 and 2014. Habitat loss, climate change, exposure to contaminants, and other threats may be contributing to declines in parts of their range. More research and monitoring is needed to fully understand population trends across their circumpolar distribution.
Region | Population Trend |
---|---|
Global | Stable |
Alaska | Declining |
Canada | Unknown |
Russia | Unknown |
Major Threats
Several potential threats face Rough-legged Hawk populations:
Habitat loss: Logging, natural resource extraction, and other development activities can degrade and fragment the open tundra habitat that Rough-legged Hawks rely on for nesting and hunting. Loss of wintering habitat is also a concern.
Climate change: Changes in temperature, precipitation, and prey availability in Arctic regions may impact breeding and reduce habitat suitability over the long term.
Contaminants: Rough-legged Hawks are exposed to chemicals like mercury, pesticides, and rodenticides while on their wintering grounds, which may hamper reproduction.
Human disturbance: Nest sites and foraging areas can be disrupted by recreational activities, roads, and other infrastructure in remote northern regions.
Shooting: Rough-legged Hawks were historically persecuted by farmers and ranchers, though protective laws have reduced this threat. Some illegal shooting persists.
Conservation Status and Efforts
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Not listed under the Endangered Species Act
- CITES: Not listed
Despite their globally secure status, efforts are underway to monitor and conserve Rough-legged Hawk populations by:
- Studying breeding biology, distribution, and migration patterns.
- Tracking wintering populations and contaminant loads.
- Protecting habitat in breeding and wintering grounds.
- Working to minimize human disturbances and develop mitigation measures.
- Enforcing laws prohibiting shooting and persecution.
Ongoing conservation will require coordinated international cooperation given the broad geographic range of Rough-legged Hawks. Protecting habitat and minimizing anthropogenic threats during breeding, migration, and wintering will all be important for ensuring the long-term survival of Rough-legged Hawk populations.
Conclusion
In summary, Rough-legged Hawks remain a widespread and relatively abundant species across the Northern Hemisphere and are not globally threatened with extinction currently. However, some troubling regional population declines warrant continued monitoring and conservation efforts. Maintaining habitat connectivity, mitigating climate change impacts, reducing contaminant loads, and minimizing human disturbances will be key priorities for ensuring Rough-legged Hawks remain a secure species into the future. Though not currently endangered, proactive conservation measures are important for preventing Rough-legged Hawks from becoming at risk.