What is the term for using raptors to control pests and reduce human/wildlife conflict?

The term for using raptors to control pests and reduce human/wildlife conflict is indeed abatement. This practice involves employing birds of prey to manage populations of pest species, such as rodents or invasive birds, in various environments, including agricultural areas and urban settings.

Abatement is a method that benefits both the ecosystem and human activities by reducing the need for chemical pesticides, promoting natural predation, and mitigating the impacts of certain species that can cause harm or disturbance. The use of trained raptors in this context showcases the relationship between humans and wildlife, particularly in finding sustainable solutions to pest problems without harming the environment.

In contrast, capturing refers to the act of physically seizing animals, which does not relate specifically to the controlled use of raptors for pest management. Baiting involves using substances or food to attract pests or predators, which differs significantly from the direct involvement of raptors in active predation. Hacking is a term used in falconry that describes the process of releasing captive-bred birds into the wild so they can learn to hunt and survive independently, but it is not specifically about controlling pest populations.