Buteo ridgwayi has declined steeply throughout its range on Hispaniola as a result of large scale loss of its lowland forest habitat coupled with direct persecution. Its current stronghold appears to be a poorly protected national park (Los Haitises) in the north-east of the island.
Buteo ridgwayi is found on the Island of Hispaniola, comprising of the two countries; Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Buteo ridgwayi is considered by the IUCN as "Endangered" and by CITES as an "Appendix 2" category.