The Saker falcon is a species that can use all available food sources. It is adapted for hunting in open areas, such as semi-desert and desert steppes, and will accept any available prey. We were able to determine the diet of the Saker falcon from material collected in and near the nest (pellets and feathers). Due to the lack of bones in the pellets, we were unable to determine exactly which mammals were eaten, though these were likely mice and voles from nearby areas. Collected bird remains (primarily feathers) were used to subsequently identify the following species: Passer domesticus, Sturnus vulgaris, Vanellus vanellus, Streptopelia decaocto, Columba livia, Pica pica, Corvus cornix, Corvus monedula, Phasianus colchicus and Faco tinnunculus. This list shows that the Saker falcon takes all available food.
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The Saker falcon is very popular with falcon trainers, particularly in Arab countries where they also represent a status symbol. In 1990, the population of the Saker falcon was assessed at about 8,500–12,000 pairs. In 2003, the number of pairs dropped to only 3,600–4,400. A decline of 90% has been recorded in some countries. Such a drop in the number of pairs is certainly due to the illegal trade of these birds, which includes about 5,000 birds each year. Due to difficulties in controls and implementation of the law, even in Croatia, individuals are killed or captured by irresponsible people. If a captured bird are found, it is virtually impossible to return it to the wild, while the responsible persons often go unpunished. In order to protect the Saker falcon, the continued monitoring of its population in the field, from the start of nesting to the independence of the young falcons and their departure from the territory it is of crucial importance.
Nests should be monitored to protect the falcons from theft and being killed. Frequent observations allow us to learn a great deal about these birds. Thanks to regular visits to the nest this year, a young female was found under the nest on time, and saved from certain death. The young female weighed only 625 g, and expert care for the bird was provided in the competent institution. The bird was rehydrated and succeeded in recovering under expert watch. She achieved a mass of 1200 g and was able to fly well. She did not form a bond of trust with the humans, and as such, has a good chance of successfully returning to the wild. The remaining two birds in the nest were raised by the parents, and they successfully left the nesting territory.
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In Croatia, the Saker falcon begins nesting in March, and the young leave the territory at the end of June. The female most often lays 3 to 5 eggs, with both parents incubating the eggs for 28–30 days. The young falcons leave the nest at 40–45 days of age. After another 30–45 days, they become independent and leave the territory.
In 2009, two pairs of Saker falcons were found nesting on power transmission line poles within the borders of Croatia. A total of five young falcons hatched, and the nesting activities and growth of the young falcons was observed from the ground, and it was not possible to monitor the state in the nest. In an attempt to obtain better results, we requested the assistance of Croatian Electric (HEP), which offered full technical assistance, allowing us to approach the nest for the first time, to ring the young birds, collect material for DNA analyses and collect data on prey in the nest. The materials collected are of exceptional importance for learning more about this species.
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