Raptors are members of the Aves animal class and are characterized as  birds of prey that use their acute sense of vision and hearing to hunt for other animals, mostly vertebrates. The raptors are further characterized as having strong beaks and talons that are used for catching, killing and shredding their prey.

Among the common raptors are: Eagles, Ospreys, Falcons, Vultures, Buzzards, Harriers, Kites, Hawks and  Owls.

Raptor conservation is particularly important since raptors, due to their predatory life styles, are endangered by such things as pesticides or other chemical agents and by man made  hazards such as wind turbines and  electrical  lines. Due to their position atop the food chain, conservation of raptor populations is conducive to maintaining the ecosystem.