In Kenya, six species of vultures are classed as critically endangered. Many other raptors are soon to be up listed to that category, a status that demands our intervention to save them from extinction. ​Threats to birds of prey in Kenya range from: 
 

Electrocution by powerline poles 
We believe from our observations over the years that the greatest killer of perching birds of prey today are electric power poles, particularly the new concrete poles that have metal reinforcement poking up through the top. When a buzzard, eagle or vulture lands on a power pole that it though was a prime vantage point, one wing touches a live wire and one foot is earthed on the top of the pole, causing an instant electrocution through the birds body. Sometimes the bird dies instantly and hangs there at the top of the pole, but often, due to the low blood flow in the birds’ legs, the bird is internally ‘fried’ but survives, and either falls to the ground and wonders off or flies a short distance away and dies. It’s these survivors that are recued by passers by and brough to the Trust for recovery and care. Presently many birds in our care are victims of electrocution, showing that this is a major threat to the Kenya’s raptors today.
 

Habitat destruction and fragmentation
As populations grow and wildlife habitats are reduced, so the raptors retreat to the last remaining stands of wilderness. Some are adapting to live in a human environment, such as the Yellow-billed Kite or the Black Sparrowhawk. In the heart of Nairobi you will find large falcons such as the Lanner or Peregrine nesting on skyscrapers. It is the large eagles and vultures that are feeling the effect most as they require huge ranges to search for food. Vulture populations have plummeted as the food source of wild animals has been reduced over the years. One of our key messages to Kenyans today is to be aware of the environment around you, to care for it and to ensure that wildlife living in these remaining wild spaces are appreciated and allowed their space to live and thrive.
 

Persecution and poisoning
In Kenya birds of prey have always been seen as the bad guys. They steal chickens or even goats, and as a result are heavily persecuted. With the unfortunate availability of deadly poisons in the street store it has been possible for angry livestock owners to poison birds of prey either intentionally or unintentionally. A major killer of vultures today is the side effect of large predators like lion and leopard killing sheep, cattle, and goats. The owner illegally applies a store-bought poison to the carcass of the sheep or cow with the intention of killing the lion or leopard. As a result up to 100 vultures can be killed in an instant as they ingest the poison from the carcass. Many of the vultures that come into our care have been poisoned. The majority recover after close care and treatment, but some have permanent damage and will never fly again.