Look at Me!

Raptors on the Currencies of the World. Methods of conservation are varied and innovative. One such is to eternalise species on the currency notes of the world.

- RAHUL ROHITASHWA

INTRODUCTION

Raptors are the predators of the avian world, and Nature has bestowed them with sharp hooked beaks and deadly curved claws known as talons which catch and hold the prey in a tight grip, bringing swift death. There are about 295 known species of raptors worldwide which hunt across a wide range of habitats, i.e., from mountains to land and from rainforests to the sea. Generally these birds are distinguished by the type of prey they consume. For example, Peregrine falcons eat mostly birds, Lesser Kestrels eat mainly insects, and Osprey eat fish.

RAPTORS ON CURRENCIES

While looking through the pages of history, we find that the power, and versatility of raptors have enticed humans to such an extent that these birds have found place in numerous folklores, literature, art and sports around the globe. Not only in the past but also in modern times some species of raptors are still used as an important tool for hunting in some countries. Consequently, it is not a matter of surprise that many countries of the world have depicted these birds on their currency bank notes. The main purpose is to draw attention to their ecological role as a top predator in the food-web and also to spread awareness for their conservation.