Global raptor conservation depends on non-profit and non-governmental organizations and, fundamentally, members of those organizations. While an organization may have a central mission, internally, its membership can be diverse. This can pose a challenge to a member-driven organization to implement programming and advocacy that reflects its membership’s preference and likelihood of supporting those programs. Systematic assessment of members’ opinions and preferences is needed to assure alignment with the organization’s actions. Using the North American Falconers Association (NAFA) as a case study, preferences and opinions on issues related to raptor conservation were assessed. Based on species, habitat, management, and policy topic areas, results indicate participants define conservation as encompassing both habitat and species. Consensus habitat issues were threats to prairies, sage, and wetlands. Perceived declines in native game bird, waterfowl, and small game mammals were the most salient threats to wildlife. Tied to these concerns of habitat and species was access to land to practice falconry. Overall, participants prefer that organizational resources are used to support habitat conservation and facilitate falconers’ access to those habitats. For non-governmental conservation organizations, systematic membership surveys can provide substantial insight for decision-making and effective allocation of membership-derived resources. Member surveys also signal an organizations willingness to listen to its constituents and act upon their views and local knowledge to coordinate conservation action.
Stakeholder perspectives on raptor conservation and falconry in North America
