نبذة مختصرة : Citizen science has emerged as a powerful tool for engaging the public in ecological data collection, crucial for monitoring species’ distributions and abundance over large geographic scales and extended time periods. This study used data from the Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP) to investigate the distribution and relative abundance of the Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus and Lanner Falcon F. biarmicus (family Falconidae) across South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. These species are known for their adaptability to diverse environments, share similar habitat preferences and prey species, and often coexist across sub-Saharan Africa. We analysed data from SABAP1 (1987–1992) and the ongoing SABAP2 (2007–2024) to detect changes in distribution patterns and abundance over time. Reporting rates indicate a notable increase in the Peregrine Falcon population, particularly in urban areas, suggesting successful adaptation to anthropogenic landscapes where tall buildings provide suitable nesting sites. In contrast, the Lanner Falcon displayed a more varied pattern, with declines in some regions, especially where Peregrine Falcons were more prevalent during SABAP2, potentially indicating competitive displacement mediated by urbanisation. The findings underscore the complex interplay between urbanisation, species competition and habitat preferences in shaping these raptors’ distributions and population trends. While the behavioural plasticity of the Peregrine Falcon to urban environments highlights the species’ resilience, the mixed responses of the Lanner Falcon suggest a need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate the impacts of habitat fragmentation and urban encroachment. Our use of the SABAP data illustrates its value in long-term ecological monitoring and its potential for informing conservation efforts.
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