© 2024, IJSRMS All Rights Reserved 1 International Journal of Scientific Research in Multidisciplinary Studies Vol.10, Issue.3, pp.01-07, March 2024 E-ISSN: 2454-9312 P-ISSN: 2454-6143 Available online at: www.isroset.org Research Article Urbanization and its Impact on Birds of Prey in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria Isah O. Yakubu 1 , Hangeior I. Stephen 2* , Adzaagee J. Paul 3 1 Dept of Environmental science and policy, University of South Florida, USA 2,3 Dept of Wildlife and Range Mgt, Joseph Sarwuan Tarkaa University, Makurdi, Nigeria *Corresponding Author: hangeioriorlumun@gmail.com Received: 18/Jan/2024; Accepted: 20/Feb/2024; Published: 31/Mar/2024. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.26438/ijsrms/v10i3.17 Abstract— Urbanization is rapidly altering ecosystems worldwide, presenting both challenges and opportunities for biodiversity conservation. Birds of prey, as top predators and indicators of environmental health, are particularly sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances. This study investigates Urbanization and its impact on birds of prey in the Makurdi metropolis of Benue State, Nigeria, across several categories of land usage. The Timed Species Count technique was applied across various urban land-use types, including Highways, Residential areas, Tertiary institutions, Commercial centers, and the Airport. Diversity among avian species was assessed by means of the Shannon Diversity Index, Simpson's Index, Gini-Simpson Diversity Index, and Pielou's Evenness Index. Results indicate the occurrence of various, raptor species including the Lizard Buzzard, Black Kite, Marsh Harrier, African Goshawk, and Pearl Spotted Owlet. The Black Kite was the most abundant species, with the airport exhibiting the highest abundance of birds of prey. Infrastructure such as masts, electric poles, and rooftops were utilized by these birds for perching while tree species were used for nesting. Diversity indices varied across different land-use types, suggesting habitat- specific preferences among bird of prey species. It highlights the adaptability of some bird of prey species to urban environments, likely due to the availability of resources and nesting habitats. Although urbanization poses threats to biodiversity, birds of prey create new habitats within urban landscapes, contributing to their resilience. Understanding species habitat behavior is crucial for effective habitat management, conservation, and ecosystem preservation in the face of environmental changes. Urbanization influences the spatial arrangement and population size of raptors, with some species thriving in urban environments. The study underscores the importance of green spaces and noise levels in urban areas for avian diversity. Recommendations include the conservation of green areas and the implementation of measures to mitigate anthropogenic impacts on bird of prey populations. Keywords— Birds of Prey, Urbanization, Impact, Habitat disturbance, Diversity indices, Conservation, Raptors. 1. Introduction Urban ecosystems are playing a bigger role in influencing ecological processes as cities spread throughout the world. Urbanization is the most irreversible of all anthropogenic disturbances [28-29,34]. While urbanization significantly reduces biodiversity, many fauna species that are reliant on the unique features of the urban environment might find new homes and food supplies in urban and peri-urban areas. An extinction crisis has resulted from human activity's acceleration of biodiversity loss worldwide [5]. Many species are declining along with the number of extinctions, which raises the possibility that biodiversity losses could impair ecosystem services and have an impact on human well-being [1,35]. The dramatic fall in vulture populations over the Indian subcontinent after diclofenac was prescribed as a cattle medication in the 1990s [17], and the rise in rabies cases in humans and feral dog populations that followed [13] are now a well-known illustration of the dangers of species extinction. In addition to the well-researched ecosystem services offered by scavengers and predators [18], raptors, such as hawks, harriers, kites, eagles, falcons, owls, and vultures, can shape biological communities and serve as cultural emblems. They are also markers of biodiversity and environmental health [9]. Raptors are more vulnerable to manmade risks and extinction than most other bird species because of their high trophic level and relatively delayed life history [30]. Finally, because they can be hard to spot and occur at low population densities, raptors are more challenging to monitor than most other birds. Raptors are at risk from a variety of factors, such as habitat loss or alteration, deliberate killing [4], purposeful and accidental poisoning [11], electrocution [15], and climate change [12]. Laws have been put in place in many nations and areas to shield birds including raptors from these dangers. Certain laws, like the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (1940) in the United States, are especially intended to protect raptor species. To reduce raptor mortality, best practices and designated habitats have been designed specifically for