Protecting Local Wildlife from the Impact of Overabundant Raptors

We call for urgent action to address the growing imbalance of raptor populations, including peregrine falcons, square-tailed kites, sparrowhawks, goshawks, and other birds of prey, within our small city. While these raptors are important to the ecosystem, their increasing concentration in our city centre and surrounding areas is placing unsustainable pressure on local wildlife. They can kill up to 3-5 birds/native ground dwelling creatures, some already on the brink of extinction, everyday double this when breeding and feeding their chicks. 

These birds are top predators with no natural enemies. As a result, their numbers continue to rise unchecked, with more breeding pairs establishing themselves and inhabiting our city each year. This extreme imbalance poses a serious threat it will devastate the very biodiversity we are trying to protect. 

Small native birds, mammals, and other species are experiencing distress and rapid decline due to the intensified predation. Many of these species are already struggling for survival, with some teetering on the brink of extinction. The current situation not only threatens biodiversity but also disrupts the fragile ecological balance that is vital for a healthy natural environment.

⚠️ A DISTRESSING SIGHT IN ADELAIDE

People across Adelaide will be shocked and distressed after seeing peregrine falcons, kites  and hawks ripping apart birds and their prey right in the middle of the city. For many, this is not what they want to be confronted with while simply walking through the city, enjoying a coffee and Lunch at an outdoor cafe or taking their kids out.

Yes, raptors are part of nature but when this brutality is happening so openly and so frequently in our streets and skies, it’s deeply unsettling. Families, children, and the public at large should not have to witness such graphic horror scenes in everyday life.

This is not what the public wants. It’s upsetting, it’s confronting, and it’s leaving many people disturbed.

It’s time for our council and wildlife authorities to step in and address this issue. We need a balance that respects and protects our birdlife and wildlife including our species on the brink of extinction - including our ground dwelling wildlife released - some which are already on the brink of extinction, and need protection to breed without the threat of raptors preying on them. We also need to protect the wellbeing of our community. Adelaide deserves to be a city where people can feel comfortable without facing such horrific distressing scenes and enjoy nature and wildlife in a relaxing and respectful way.

We urge local authorities, conservation bodies, and wildlife experts to investigate and implement sustainable management strategies that:

• Protect vulnerable native species from further decline.
• Monitor and regulate raptor populations to prevent over-concentration.
• Restore balance to the ecosystem through evidence-based conservation planning.
• Using OvoControl to control pigeons population rather than introducing and encourage breeding birds of prey in the city.
• Relocate peregrine falcons nest to outer the city.

This petition is not about harming raptors but about recognising the urgent need for balanced management. Involve wildlife sanctuaries/Adelaide zoo, or Kangaroo Island Birds - Raptor Domain (kangaroo Islands birds of Prey Sanctuary) - to take  in and house them safely away from the more vulnerable wildlife. By acting now, we can ensure that all species including raptors and the wildlife they prey and sadly kill everyday have a future in our community.