Recent studies have shown that raptors (e.g. Figure 2f)
[69], can be important top predators, especially when
indirect effects are considered [17,70]. More mobile than
nonflying predators, raptors can respond faster to
increases (or decreases) in prey populations. Raptor species
that initially appear ecologically similar, such as
variable hawks Buteo polyosoma and Harris’s hawks Parabuteo
unicinctus in Chile, can have distinct functions,
especially in ecosystems with large spatiotemporal fluctuations
[71]. Raptors might reduce populations of rodent and
avian agricultural pests or indirectly limit their impact
[72,73], but research in this front is limited.