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The Australasian Raptor Association (ARA) was founded in 1979. Its broad aims are to promote the study, conservation and management of diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey, as well as to foster communication and cooperation concerning such activities within the Australasian Region. ARA policy is to become more proactive in fund raising and conservation issues, and to establish trust funds to cater to specific research needs.
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Australasian Raptor Association Conference Report
Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour, 30-31 August 2008
Eighty people from all over Australia (and one from New Zealand) were treated to an action-packed program of 19 spoken presentations, 10 posters, three special workshops and a professional slideshow. Diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey received equal attention from the speakers who covered a wide range of topics, including the declining status of many species, the latest information about species’ ecology and the results of management interventions to protect these birds. Special workshop sessions included identification tips for diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey, survey and research techniques and management approaches. A wrap-up session considered new projects and future activities of the Association. The post-conference field trip was led by Greg Clancy who provided 22 lucky people with magnificent observations of nesting raptors, including Square-tailed Kites, Ospreys, White-breasted Sea-eagles, Wedge-tailed Eagles, Whistling Kites and Brahminy Kites, as well as some great observations of recently fledged Black-necked Storks and Jacanas. Most people enjoyed the conference and are eagerly looking forward to the next one! Download a copy of the  abstracts from the conference (665kb).
Environmental IndicatorsBecause of their wide distribution and visibility, birds are excellent indicators of environmental health. Among birds, raptors are of special importance. Because they are at the top of their food chains, they are vulnerable to habitat changes, and declines or increases in numbers can alert us to previously unknown problems. A classic example is the decline in Peregrine Falcon breeding success caused by the use of organochlorine pesticides in agriculture.
Bird of Prey Watch ProjectThe BOP Watch project made use of long vehicle journeys in rural Australia to count the numbers and species of raptors seen while driving; such sightings, combined with locality, weather and seasonal data, mapped movements, as well as changes in seasonal or more long-term abundance. This has been of special importance in tracking the effects of the release of Rabbit Calicivirus Disease on the populations of raptors which have depended on rabbits as food.
Other ServicesThe ARA provides guidelines, and acts as a forum for practical information on the rehabilitation of raptors damaged by vehicle impacts, gunshot wounds and other causes. ARA members use birds being rehabilitated to educate school groups and other people on the environmental value of raptors and the importance of protecting their habitat. ARA members are also involved in banding and other raptor studies, and provide assistance and advice to researchers.
PublicationsBoobook is the biannual Journal of The ARA. It provides a forum for the discussion of issues relating to birds of prey. Contributions are made by both professionals and amateurs from around the world. The journal is packed with valuable information on raptors covering a wide range of interests including: Reports on the management of raptors, Problems facing raptors, Sighting reports, and Raptor rehabilitation. In addition, the journal contains regular book reviews and competitions with prizes of journal subscriptions. Circus is the biannual newsletter of The ARA, informing members of up-coming and previous activities and events.
 ARA Membership Form (55kb)
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Peregrine Falcon in flight © Glenn Ehmke
Powerful Owl in Melbourne
© Dean Ingwersen
Juvenile Peregrine Falcon
© Glenn Ehmke
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