Saker Falcon
The Saker Falcon is a large falcon that is 19–22 inches in length and has a wingspan of 41–51 inches. These falcons prefer open grasslands with trees or cliffs. Also, they do not build their own nests, but use old stick nests in trees to lay to 3–6 eggs. This species of falcon is very widespread from eastern Europe to western China. The population estimates for the Saker Falcon are 12,200–29,800 adult falcons.
This species of falcon tends to hunt when it is close to the ground and in open areas and will change its prey depending on the habitat. If the habitat is near water it will feed on birds, and if it is in an open grassland it typically preys on squirrels.
Since the Saker Falcons prey on small rodents and birds, they are limiting the amount of rodents and birds in the areas in which they are living. Without the falcons, the number of rodents and birds may raise to higher amounts, which will cause a change in the ecosystem for other species near them.
The main cause of the decline in the Saker Falcons is electrocution from power lines and loss of prey from the destruction of their habitat. The falcons are also being trapped by falconers at a rising rate each year in many of their habitats. Also, there are pesticides that are affecting the rodent population that these falcons rely on to survive, and if their prey keeps declining, they will also decline with less prey available to them.
If the Saker Falcons were to go extinct, the amount of rodents and birds in the ecosystem may raise to high levels. The Saker Falcons are eating many of the rodents in their habitat, so if they were to go extinct the amount of rodents may rise to higher levels and take resources from other species that are relying on the falcons to limit the population numbers. It is important to protect this species because the increase in rodents may have a negative effect on other species within their habitats.
This species is currently part of many protected areas and illegal trade from falconers is trying to be controlled more. Also, artificial nests are also being created for the Saker Falcons in some of their range to allow them to have a safer place to lay their eggs. There are also other conservation efforts that are in the beginning stages of implementation such as plans to make sure effective prevention and legislation is being enforced in their habitats. Also, they are working to improve power lines in their habitats to keep them from being electrocuted and are modifying any poles that are a risk to them.
Below are a few website links that accept donations or volunteering that helps save the Saker Falcons. These conservation efforts are needed to help pay for the satellite tracking of the species to help with migration, and ultimately to learn more about them to prevent them from becoming extinct. Also, if money is not an option to help, you can become an ambassador to educate others on the protection of Saker Falcons.
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