Threatened
The ferruginous hawk's long-term survival is threatened by two main factors. They are dependent on natural grassland habitat, which is being converted to agricultural use across their range. Equally important, the rangeland mammals that they are specialized for preying upon are declining due to numerous human-induced causes.

Conservation Efforts
A small population of ferruginous hawks nests in southeastern Washington. Where the birds go in winter, and why their numbers are declining, are the questions behind a cooperative research project by Woodland Park Zoo and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Since 1999, they have cooperated on a project to determine migratory pathways and wintering locations for Washington state's threatened ferruginous hawk population. This information was unknown before the study began. The project's goal is also to aid in the protection of the shrub steppe and prairie habitats that are critical for survival of these hawks.

For more info on the Ferruginous Hawk, click here.
For more info on the zoo's conservation efforts click here.