Surveys and breeding biology of Buteo ridgwayi (Ridgway's Hawk) in Los Haitises, Dominican Republic

Abstract

We conducted surveys for the endangered Ridgway's Hawk, Buteo ridgwayi, in Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic, and in areas outside the park during the breeding seasons 2002 and 2003. In 2002, we recorded 47 individuals comprised by 19 territorial pairs and 8 single hawks. Of the former, 9 pairs attempted nesting and 2 pairs were successful in fledging 3 young. In 2003, we recorded 93 individuals composed of 37 territorial pairs, 9 single hawks, and 10 fledglings. Of 37 pairs, 30 attempted nesting and 8 pairs were successful in fledging 10 young. Of the 28 nests, 32% (9/28) were built on top of Palmchat, Dulus dominicus, and on living trees, having a nest success of 25%. Outside Los Haitises region, 2 hawks were observed on the Samaná Peninsula. During 2002, no hawks were observed in the Sierra Bahoruco National Park and outlying areas in southwestern and central Dominican Republic.