Work is underway in Los Haitises National Park to save the endemic hawk species Buteo Ridgwayi, which is the most endangered bird species on the island of Hispaniola. Only 300 birds are thought to exist in isolated areas of Los Haitises.
Back in 2000, the Peregrine Fund started a program to rescue and preserve the species. The National Zoo and the Propagas Foundation have also joined forces.
There are two causes for the reduction of the Ridgwayi Hawk population: one is a reduction of its natural habitat and the second is the attack by a parasitic larva of a fly (Philornis pici) that is responsible for killing a large number of chicks.
After years of study the Peregrine Fund and the National Zoo have found a product that protects the young birds from this parasite. This year, of the 51 chicks that were hatched, only three died, and the most important thing is that only one died as a result of the parasitic larva.
This hawk, as the most endangered species on Hispaniola has not been seen in Haiti for over 20 years. It is only found in Los Haitises, in the northeastern DR. The gray-brown male has red tinted feathers on its wings. The female is a quarter bigger than the male and is a lighter shade of gray and brown.