Abstract
Accurate assessment of the impacts of energy development on raptor populations in the U.S. are examined, focusing mainly on land disturbance caused by surface coal mining. In order to properly assess the long-term impacts on raptor populations, site-specific studies must be conducted. The author recommends ecological studies on these populations as raptors are good indicator species of total ecosystem health. In addition, since several raptor species are threatened or endangered, industrial impacts may accelerate population decline and ultimately bring about extinction.