Impact of rangeland management to raptors

Rangelands constitute the largest natural resource of Greece and correspond to approximately 40% of the total surface area. Grazing is the major management tool of these areas. The husbandry system can change the use and character of rangelands. It is generally accepted that the presence of grazing animals in Mediterranean ecosystems has contributed to their evolution through the effect of grazing on landscape, plant cover, plant species diversity and avifauna. In this paper the possible effects of rangeland management on birds of prey was reviewed. Rangelands are important feeding habitats for most raptor species. Rational grazing contributes to the maintenance of vegetation in desirable hight, so birds could identify and catch their prey. Also the transhumant livestock system is vital for large raptors, such as vultures. The reduction of livestock, the housing during the winter and the removal of carcasses from the countryside, have a negative impact on these species, which they benefit from livestock presence during the last decades.