Data about the relative densities of raptors are analysed in comparison to landscape patterns in southern Africa. The impact of man on the environment reduces the diversity of raptor communities. Different raptor groups are influenced differently by man, with habitat destruction as the outstanding negative factor, especially on eagles. Black-shouldered kite (Elanus caeruleus) and black kite (Milvus migrans) are enhanced by human activities, the former by habitat, the latter by diet. A comparison of data from the literature indicates a decline of raptors (black-shouldered kite excluded) during the last 30 years in Transvaal and Orange Free State.