PfA Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre

The term Raptor describes several species of birds, also known by the term Birds of Prey, that hunt on prey that are vertebrates and generally feed upon prey that is relatively large for their size. This includes Kites, Eagles, Hawks, and Owls among others. The word Raptor comes from the Latin word Rapere, meaning "to seize" or take by force, which is instantly evocative of the way they hunt: picture an eagle diving mid-flight to swiftly seize up a rat and then taking off into the sky with its prey. Over time Raptors have come to possess certain adaptations through evolution that enable them to hunt better. They are equipped with a sharp and long-distance vision to spot prey from large distances as well as while in flight. In fact, Eagles are known to be able to see clearly eight times as far as humans can. Raptors are also equipped with powerful talons to grasp their prey, and a strong curved beak adapted to tearing flesh. While the Birds of Prey are specially adapted to hun...

The city of Bengaluru is a quintessential example of the concrete jungle, a title we have come to use to describe the habitat of the human species. It symbolises the pinnacle of industrial and technological advancement, a sprawling abode of skyscrapers and flyovers entirely constructed by us. And yet, as is true for any ecosystem in our vast home, planet Earth, we inevitably share our spaces with a wide variety of other species. These species coexist with us and directly or indirectly support us as well as depend upon us in an intricate web of connections that together define the urban ecosystem. These species that live amongst the asphalt roads and glass facades, within pockets of parks and mini-forests, on tree-tops along avenues or in nooks and crannies of human residences, perhaps even in your own backyard, together have come to be known as Urban Wildlife. These animals are our neighbours and call the city their home as well. They are sometimes coy and conspicuous, while at other ...