Direct persecution and habitat alteration (loss of both nesting and foraging habitat) are major threats to Haliaeetus vociferoides.
Haliaeetus vociferoides survives in extremely low numbers on the lakes, rivers, rocky shorelines and mangroves (including offshore islands) on the west coast of Madagascar north of Morondava.
During fieldwork in 1982-1986, 48 occupied sites were recorded, populated by 96 birds including 40 pairs and 10 adults. However only one sub- population is thought viable, indicating that a continued decline is inevitable unless concerted action is taken to halt the decline of Haliaeetus vociferoides.
Haliaeetus vociferoides is regarded as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN. CITES lists the species as "Appendix 2".