Status and breeding population of the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) in the Caucasus Ecoregion: regional perspectives and conservation challenges

Abstract

This study provides a detailed overview of the Saker Falcon’s status across the Caucasus, integrating contributions from collaborators from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye, Armenia, Iran and Russian Caucasus, and reviewing citizen science platforms such as eBird, iNaturalist, and Observation.org. We found that there are a lack of targeted studies on Saker Falcons across all Caucasian countries, however, increased research efforts may uncover previously undocumented nesting sites, improve threat assessments, and guide effective conservation actions critical for the species' survival in the Caucasus. © Farajli et al.