The Hispaniolan sparrowhawk is recovering, but threats to endemic birds persist.
The island of Hispaniola is home to some 306 species of birds, of which 32 are endemic.
SANTO DOMINGO. - El Hispaniolan sparrowhawk (Buteo ridgwayi)The hawk, one of the most endangered birds of prey in the Caribbean, is showing clear signs of recovery in the Dominican Republic thanks to conservation programs that have increased its population and expanded its range in recent years. However, experts warn that pressures on ecosystems and local communities continue to put this species, as well as other endemic birds of the island, at risk.
According to the research presented by Chiara Perozo and Carlos SuárezAccording to the Peregrine Fund, the number of breeding pairs in the Los Haitises National Park The population increased from 37 in 2011 to 155 in 2024, with over 100 offspring recorded, including individuals reintroduced using assisted management techniques. This growth has also been replicated in areas such as Punta Cana and Aniana Vargas National Park, located between the provinces of Monseñor Nouel and Sánchez Ramírez, where the species was virtually nonexistent just over a decade ago.
The recovery of the sparrowhawk, considered an apex predator in its ecosystem, is key to maintaining ecological balance. Its presence regulates populations of other species and acts as an indicator of environmental health. However, its survival remains linked to factors such as habitat conservation, environmental education, and community involvement.
The island of Hispaniola is home to some 306 bird species, 32 of which are endemic, making it an area of high biological value in the Caribbean. Among them is the palmchat (Dulus dominicus), the Dominican national symbol, which shares similar threats linked to habitat degradation.
Among the main risks identified from 2002 to the present are habitat loss, human intervention in sensitive ecosystems, and a lack of sustainable management of natural resources. Although some studies suggest that there has not been a uniform process of deforestation in areas like Los Haitises, there are indeed misinterpretations and changes in land use that affect biodiversity.
In response to this situation, conservation strategies have focused on population monitoring, assisted dispersal (known as "hacking"), environmental education, and community development. These actions have contributed not only to an increase in the sparrowhawk population but also to improving its reproductive success through interventions such as pest control.
Despite the progress, experts insist that long-term sustainability will depend on maintaining these efforts and strengthening the relationship between conservation and local development. The recovery of the Hispaniolan sparrowhawk is seen as an encouraging sign, but also as a reminder of the fragility of island ecosystems and the urgent need to protect them.
The activity was organized by INTEC Ecológico, the student and alumni group of Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) committed to environmental protection and socio-environmental awareness in the university community.