The cause of this species’ population decline is still unknown; however, it may have been the result of several factors. These include habitat loss, forest fragmentation, high nestling mortality rate caused by a parasitic nest fly (Philornis sp.), nest predation by the Pearly-eyed Thrasher (Margarops fuscatus), and changes in the forest composition and structure due to natural disturbances such as hurricanes. The Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk has been on the U.S. Endangered Species List since 1994.