Friends of Brookline Raptors

You likely have seen some raptors flying above you in Massachusetts, but what value do they add to our ecosystem? It’s likely more significant than you think.

Rodent Control

Raptors are predators of rodent populations like mice and rats. They help maintain ecosystem balance by controlling the overpopulation of rodents. However, this balance is threatened by rodenticides, which disrupt their food source. Many people use rodenticides to protect their property and yard, but rodent control is the natural perk of having a thriving local raptor population.

Environmental Health Indicator

Raptors are an apex predator, meaning they sit at the top of the food chain. In turn, they are more sensitive to ecosystem changes. If the raptor population decreases, this is an indicator that there is something wrong with the environment, likely larger ecological issues.

Some raptors occasionally feed on the carcasses of sick animals. Their digestive systems are equipped to handle most bacteria and germs. These feeding habits contribute to eliminating diseased, sick animals. If raptor populations decline, dogs and rats feed on these carcasses and then introduce the risk of spreading disease to humans in the area.