Saker Falcon

Population Status

Endangered

The Saker falcon is listed as endangered internationally, and is listed by CITES. Non-native to the United States, it is not listed by ESA, nor does it possess a national status.

             A worldwide population of 8,500-12,000 pairs was estimated to exist in 1990. By 2003, however, there were only 3,600-4,400 pairs. "The population is therefore estimated to have declined by 48-70%" (BirdLife International 2008). Successful breeding depends largely on the presence of older females, the amount of food, and spring climate. "The main reason for low breeding success . . . is death of clutches or broods due to famine" (Karyakin & Nikolenko, 2008). In the Altai-Sayan Ecoregion (located in the countries of Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and China) only 695 breeding territories were successful out of 1356 observed (2008). According to Dimitar Ragyov, they estimate Belgium's population to be between 0 to 3 breeding pairs (Jais 2010).

The catching of birds in the Altai-Sayan region for the booming falconry trade in the Middle East is a major reason for the decline of the Saker falcon's numbers. Females are more wanted than males, as they are more impressive. This leads to a disproportionate number of males to females in the wild. Young females are not available to mate, leaving many territories populated with only males. According to Nikolenko, Saker falcons could be bought through online ordering for $3000-$5000 (2009). Between the years of 2005 and 2008, Sakers were mentioned in 16.4% of the total advertisements for hunting birds (2009).

             Another reason for the decline in Saker falcon population is the loss of habitat due to farming and urbanization. Loss of sheep pastoralism on the steppes is a concern, as it causes a loss of key prey species. Chemicals used in agriculture cause harm to the falcon's eggs, and farmers destroy nesting sites either on accident or on purpose. "Hybridization with escaped or released hybrid falcons could influence the genetic integrity of wild populations" (BirdLife International 2008).

             The western territories of the Saker falcon range have red-listed the species and placed it under protection. Managing the species closely has had positive affects in Hungary. Many of the western areas have placed strict bans on capturing and exporting these falcons, and breeding captive birds for selling has developed in order to sustain the market without draining the environment. These innovations need to be used throughout the Saker falcon range, disallowing the export and exploitation of wild-caught birds, managing those birds already nesting, and encouraging more to nest and breed. Bulgaria is looking to reintroduce Saker falcons into the wild. Once the details are ironed out, this would allow for recolinization of a natural breeding ground.

Prognosis For Recovery: