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Building Nordic capacity for raptor research, monitoring, and conservationThe Nordic Raptor Training Program (NRTP) is a long-term, collaborative initiative led by SLU and Nordic partners to train the next generation of raptor ecologists, field technicians, and engaged citizen scientists. Through integrated field training, analytical capacity building, and cross-border collaboration, NRTP supports evidence-based conservation and management of raptors across Nordic landscapes.
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About the programme
The Nordic Raptor Training Program (NRTP) is a long-term capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen research, monitoring, and conservation of raptors across the Nordic region. Led by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in collaboration with leading research institutions and conservation organisations in Sweden, Norway, and Finland, the programme integrates advanced field methods, analytical training, and coordinated Nordic collaboration.
Raptors are key indicators of ecosystem change, yet they face increasing pressures from climate change, land-use intensification, expanding energy infrastructure, and human–wildlife conflicts. NRTP responds to these challenges by harmonising monitoring approaches, building shared data standards, and training early-career researchers, professionals, and citizen scientists. Through field courses, Nordic exchange, and long-term networking, NRTP aims to deliver durable scientific capacity and directly support wildlife management and biodiversity conservation in northern ecosystems.
Raptors are key indicators of ecosystem change, yet they face increasing pressures from climate change, land-use intensification, expanding energy infrastructure, and human–wildlife conflicts. NRTP responds to these challenges by harmonising monitoring approaches, building shared data standards, and training early-career researchers, professionals, and citizen scientists. Through field courses, Nordic exchange, and long-term networking, NRTP aims to deliver durable scientific capacity and directly support wildlife management and biodiversity conservation in northern ecosystems.
Training
NRTP delivers a structured training pipeline combining field-based skills with analytical expertise. Training activities are designed for MSc and PhD students, early-career researchers, wildlife managers, and field technicians.
Key training components include:
Key training components include:
- Field methods for raptor monitoring (territories, nests, productivity)
- Camera and acoustic monitoring
- GPS/GSM telemetry support
- Sampling for genetics, contaminants, and stable isotopes
- GIS, movement ecology, and demographic modelling
- Data management, standardisation, and quality control
Youth & Citizen Science
A central pillar of NRTP is the engagement and training of a new generation of raptor observers and citizen scientists.
The Youth & Citizen Science component provides structured, scientifically guided entry points for young volunteers to contribute to raptor monitoring and conservation. Participants receive training in species identification, ethical monitoring, data collection, and reporting, and work under mentorship from experienced researchers.
Activities include:
The Youth & Citizen Science component provides structured, scientifically guided entry points for young volunteers to contribute to raptor monitoring and conservation. Participants receive training in species identification, ethical monitoring, data collection, and reporting, and work under mentorship from experienced researchers.
Activities include:
- Youth training modules and certification levels
- Nordic Youth Raptor Camps
- Coordinated citizen-science monitoring initiatives
- Integration with schools, NGOs, and nature clubs
Research and Monitoring
NRTP supports coordinated, long-term research and monitoring of raptors across Nordic landscapes, with a focus on comparability and applied relevance.
Core themes include:
Core themes include:
- Population dynamics, reproduction, and survival
- Species interactions and trophic ecology
- Climate and land-use effects
- Infrastructure-related risks (wind power, power lines, roads and railways)
- Human–wildlife interactions and conflict mitigation
Partners & Network
NRTP is built on strong Nordic collaboration.
Core academic partners include:
Core academic partners include:
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), WWF, Birdlife Sweden
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)
- Nord University (Norway)
- University of Oulu (Finland)
