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Elvira G. Nikolenko - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The First Results of the Project on Restoration of Genetic Diversity of the Saker Falcon Populations in the Altai-Sayan Region, Russia
LLC Sibecocenter, 2018Co-Authors: Igor V. Karyakin, Elvira G. Nikolenko, Elena P. Shnayder, Ludmila S. Zinevich, Darja N. Rozhkova, Eugenie I. Sarychev, Irina R. BemeAbstract:On summer 2017 a pilot project on population recovery of Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) was conducted in Altai-Sayan region of Russia. Ten 20-days old Falcons of “Altaic” morph from a breeding center were placed in nests of wild Falcons of other color morphs. Sequence of control region (D-loop) of mitochondrial genome from 414 to 1417 bp (1004 bp) proofed that in particular cases haplotypes of non-native nestlings from the breeding center were similar to those of native Falcons that acted as adoptive parents. Analysis also revealed that haplotypes of nestlings matched the previously determined western and eastern haplogroups. Ten nestlings from a breeding center were placed in 6 nests of wild Sakers with 24 native nestlings. Video-recording revealed no aggression between native and no-native nestlings, as well as no aggression from adult birds towards non-native nestlings. The losses before fledging amounted to 4 nestlings. One native and one non-native nestlings were killed on a nest by an Eagle Owl in Altai Republic, and 2 native nestlings died for an unknown cause in Tuva Republic. In total, 9 non-native nestlings and 21 native nestlings successfully fledged and left the nests. The known losses after fledging amounted to 2 young birds – one native and one non-native, both were killed by bigger raptors. The youngest female from the nest in Altai Republic tagged with GPS-GSM tracker successfully migrates and winters now in Mongolia
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Saker Falcon in the altai sayan region results of monitoring in 2016 2018
Пернатые хищники и их охрана, 2018Co-Authors: Igor V. Karyakin, Elvira G. Nikolenko, Sibecocenter Llc, Elena P. ShnayderAbstract:This article represents the results of Saker Falcon’s ( Falco cherrug ) population monitoring in the Altai-Sayan Ecoregion (ASER), as well as results of satellite research of the species including population genetical research. The study area includes Krasnoyarsk Kray, Khakasia, Tuva and Altai Republics, and mountainous part of Altai Kray of Russia. In 2016–2108, 129 breeding territories of Saker were checked (that makes 35.44% from all known breeding territories of the species in the region). Ninety out of 129 territories were occupied by Sakers and 47 territories represented sights of successful breeding. Estimation of population size in ASER in 2018 was 1103–1216 (mean 1163) breeding pairs, but 592–650 (mean 623) pairs that succeed in breeding. Through the last 20 years, the population declined by 43.43%. The woodland population inhabited plain part of Alyai Kray become completely extinct despite the diminished load of poaching in this region. We revealed a rapid loss of Falcons belong to a so known “Altai” form of Saker ( altaicus ) and of nominative subspecies ( F. ch. cherrug ). The main reason that leads ASER population of Sakers to decline is a selective capturing of females for the purpose of Falconry that is traditional in the countries of the Middle East. Our longstanding observations showed that a male could be found in his breeding area for about 10 years average, but females in pairs change regularly and occupy the breeding territory no more than 2 years before vanishing. Poachers aimed to capture females of “ cherrug ” and “ altaicus ” phenotypes or the most similar ones, thus other phenotypes like “ progressus ” and “ milvipes ” with intense spotting on the back are less exposed to poaching.
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The Sustainable Trapping of Falcons – is It Possible in Russia and Other CIS Countries?
LLC Sibecocenter, 2016Co-Authors: Elvira G. NikolenkoAbstract:This article was prepared according on the analysis of the situation with the poaching and smuggling of Falcons (GyrFalcon Falco rusticolus, Saker Falcon F. cherrug and Peregrine Falcon F. peregrinus) in CIS countries in 2006–2015. It is carried out within the program “Struggle against poaching and smuggling” of the Russian Raptor Research and Conservation Network. The total number of cases of “Falcon detentions” in the CIS has 1.6 times increased for 10 years. The number of seized birds has 1.4 times increase from 538 in 1996–2005 to 737 in 2006–2015, including the number of GyrFalcons has increased by 2.6 times (from 142 to 365), Saker Falcon – 1.1 times (from 260 to 284), Peregrine Falcon – 3.4 times (from 13 to 44). The rate of GyrFalcon among seized birds has increased by 1.5 times, Peregrine Falcon – 2 times, and the rate of Saker Falcon has decreased by 1.5 times. The number of annual cases of “Falcon detentions” has increased from 2–6 in 2006–2008 to 14–16 cases in 2014–2015, on an annual basis their dynamics is correlated with the changes in the legislation. The most effective detentions are in the Far East (Kamchatka and Chukotka), the second region of catching, where there are significantly more cases of detentions, is Altai-Sayan. The maximum number of detentions were made with the participation of MIA members (51); nearly half of the detentions were produced with FSS (23); 20 cases involved customs authorities; 11 cases – border guards. Regional bodies of Environmental Protection participated in arrest only 12 times, Rosprirodnadzor took part in three detentions. In 75 cases of 100 there were detained 155 people, including 51 locals, 13 residents from other regions of the same country, 13 foreign-born citizens and 65 foreigners. The maximum number of foreigners was detained in Siberia – 43 from 6 countries, they account for 75.4% of the total number of detainees, with 75% of foreigners – citizens of Syria. The export of Falcons from Russia goes through the international airports of the European part of Russia and through Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Barbarous looting pillage of resources of large Falcons in CIS countries, first of all, GyrFalcon and Saker Falcon, ordered and paid by Arabian Falconers. Today the existing need in Falcons is ten times higher than the potential of nesting populations
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Root causes of the decreasing in numbers of the Saker Falcon and ways of its decision within the Saker Falcon Global Action Plan in Russia and Kazakhstan
LLC Sibecocenter, 2015Co-Authors: Elvira G. Nikolenko, Igor V. Karyakin, Anatoliy S. LevinAbstract:This report summarizes information on factors impacting on the decrease in numbers of the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) in Russia and Kazakhstan and analyses conditions в of the Global Action Plan that are aimed at neutralization of these factors to increase in numbers and sustainable management of the Saker Falcon in the wild
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Results of Monitoring of the Saker Falcon Population in the Altai-Sayan Region in 2014, Russia
LLC Sibecocenter, 2015Co-Authors: Igor V. Karyakin, Elvira G. Nikolenko, Elena P. ShnayderAbstract:Based on author’s research in 2014 the paper contains information on distribution, numbers and breeding biology of the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) in the Altai-Sayan region. A total of 112 breeding territories of the Saker Falcon (28.9% of the territories already known in the Altai-Sayan region) located in the Krasnoyarsk Kray, Khakassia, Tyva and Altai Republics were visited in 2014: 94 territories were occupied and 44 territories were successful. Six new territories were discovered in 2014, 7 – recovered within borders of an old empty territory and 11 – were noted as abandoned in 2014. A total of 25 breeding territories of the Saker Falcon located in the Altai Kray were visited in 2014: 4 territories were occupied and 3 territories were successful. Considering the expert estimation a total of 1237–1473 pairs (averaging 1355 pairs) breed in the Altai-Sayan region in 2014, and 618–736 pairs (averaging 677 pairs) are successful. The population trend was noted as negative and was -26% per past 12 years of the census conducted. The positive population trend for the Saker Falcon has been recorded for the last 3 years due to the growth of its population in Tuva – 2% for the region. Estimation a total of 34–45 pairs (averaging 39 pairs) breed in the Altai Kray in 2014, and 17–22 pairs (averaging 19 pairs) are successful. The population trend was noted as negative and was -67% per past 12 years of the census conducted (Saker Falcon population in the pine forests has virtually been extinct)
Andrew Dixon - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Characteristics of home range areas used by Saker Falcons ( Falco cherrug ) wintering on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Bird Conservation International, 2016Co-Authors: Andrew Dixon, Nyambayar Batbayar, Lutfor Rahman, Xiangjiang ZhanAbstract:SummaryBetween 1998 and 2011 we monitored the winter ranging behaviour of eight female Saker Falcons Falco cherrug fitted with satellite-received transmitters. Our tracking revealed that the winter home range area occupied by individual Saker Falcons varied greatly (median = 166 km2, range = 5-18,469 km2). A random forest model showed that Saker Falcons wintering on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau preferentially occupied areas with rich grassland (cover > 50%) on high altitude plateaus (4,000–5,000 m asl) with low levels of anthropogenic influence. Plant biomass in rich grasslands can support high winter densities of plateau pikas Ochotona curzoniae, which likely explains the preference exhibited by Saker Falcons for grassland cover > 50%. Factors influencing the abundance and distribution of this ‘keystone’ prey species are likely to have an effect on Saker Falcons and other predatory species. A key element of rangeland management on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau has been the establishment of extensive protected areas as part of a strategy to balance economic and social development with the requirement of sustainably managing water resources, maintaining rangelands for pastoralists and conserving biological diversity. Wide ranging predatory species, such as the Saker Falcon, can be useful indicators of biodiversity in protected areas and act as ‘sentinels’ for anthropogenic changes that may impact many different taxa.
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Influence of nest box design on occupancy and breeding success of predatory birds utilizing artificial nests in the Mongolian steppe
2016Co-Authors: Lutfor Rahman, Nyambayar Batbayar, Gankhuyag Purev-ochir, Andrew DixonAbstract:SUMMARY We monitored 100 artificial nests of four different designs to examine the occupancy and breeding success of predatory birds in nest site limited, steppe habitat of central Mongolia. Three species, upland buzzard Buteo hemilasius, common raven Corvus corax and Saker Falcon Falco cherrug, occupied artificial nests in all years and their number increased over the five-year study period, when the number of breeding predatory birds rose from 0 to 64 pairs in our 324 km 2 study area. The number of breeding pairs of Saker Falcons increased at a faster rate than ravens, reflecting their social dominance. Saker Falcons and common ravens preferred to breed inside closed-box artificial nests with a roof, whereas upland buzzards preferred open-top nests. For Saker Falcons nest survival was higher in closed nests than open nests but there was no significant difference in laying date, clutch size and brood size in relation to nest design. This study demonstrates that whilst nest boxes can increase breeding populations in nest site limited habitats, nest design may also influence occupancy rates and breeding productivity of the species utilizing them. Careful consideration is needed in designing nests to maximize occupancy rates and productivity.
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Commodification of the Saker Falcon Falco cherrug: Conservation Problem or Opportunity?
Problematic Wildlife, 2015Co-Authors: Andrew DixonAbstract:The Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) is a species of cultural importance for Arabian Falconry that is highly valued and desired by many Falconers in the Gulf States. Modern Arabian Falconry has created a significant demand for Falcons that is met primarily by international trade, both legal and illegal, of captive-bred and wild-sourced birds. This commodification of the Saker Falcon has resulted in widespread trapping and trade over much of its global distribution range, which is considered to be an important causal factor behind the population declines witnessed across extensive areas of Central Asia. Failure to address population declines over the last 25 years has been accompanied by debate, often antagonistic and highly politicized, as to the most effective way to conserve the species. The Saker Falcon has become a problematic issue for conservationists as restrictions on legal harvests and trade do not pertain to a trade that is largely illegal, whilst stronger legal enforcement does not bear upon the underlying market demand. The problem of commodification may alternatively provide an opportunity for conservation, enabling financial resources to be directed at conservation management for the Saker Falcon. In this chapter, I present two case studies from Mongolia to demonstrate ways in which the commercial trade could generate resources to benefit the conservation of the species.
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Exonic versus intronic SNPs: contrasting roles in revealing the population genetic differentiation of a widespread bird species
Heredity, 2014Co-Authors: Xiangjiang Zhan, Andrew Dixon, Nyambayar Batbayar, E Bragin, Zafer Ayas, L Deutschova, J Chavko, S Domashevsky, A Dorosencu, J BagyuraAbstract:Recent years have seen considerable progress in applying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to population genetics studies. However, relatively few have attempted to use them to study the genetic differentiation of wild bird populations and none have examined possible differences of exonic and intronic SNPs in these studies. Here, using 144 SNPs, we examined population genetic differentiation in the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) across Eurasia. The position of each SNP was verified using the recently sequenced Saker genome with 108 SNPs positioned within the introns of 10 fragments and 36 SNPs in the exons of six genes, comprising MHC, MC1R and four others. In contrast to intronic SNPs, both Bayesian clustering and principal component analyses using exonic SNPs consistently revealed two genetic clusters, within which the least admixed individuals were found in Europe/central Asia and Qinghai (China), respectively. Pairwise D analysis for exonic SNPs showed that the two populations were significantly differentiated and between the two clusters the frequencies of five SNP markers were inferred to be influenced by selection. Central Eurasian populations clustered in as intermediate between the two main groups, consistent with their geographic position. But the westernmost populations of central Europe showed evidence of demographic isolation. Our work highlights the importance of functional exonic SNPs for studying population genetic pattern in a widespread avian species.
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Diet of Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) and Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) from Central Kazakhstan
2014Co-Authors: Nedko Nedyalkov, Andrew Dixon, Anatoliy Levin, Zlatozar BoevAbstract:We present results from a study on the diet of Saker Falcon (n = 15 nests) and Eastern imperial eagle (n = 2 nests) from south Kazakhstan, on the basis of food remains and pellets collected during the 2009 breeding season. The main prey for Saker Falcon was predominantly rodents living in middle-size colonies - Spermophilus erytrogenys and Rhombomys opimus . We also present the results from the diet of two pairs of Eastern imperial eagles nesting close to Balkhash Lake.
S. Al-quraishy - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Caryospora cherrughi sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) infecting Falco cherrug in Saudi Arabia
Parasitology Research, 2013Co-Authors: F. A. Alfaleh, M. S. Alyousif, Y. R. Al-shawa, S. Al-quraishyAbstract:The oocysts of Caryospora cherrughi sp. n. were described from the feces of the Saker Falcon, Falco cherrug , collected from the Falcon market in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of infection was 21.4 % (15/70). The majority of the oocysts examined had completed sporulation within 64–84 h at 24 ± 2 °C. Sporulated oocysts are ovoid in shape, measuring 32.1 × 29.3 (30.7–34.5 × 27.7–29.8) μm; shape index (L/W) is 1.1 (1.04–1.27) μm. The oocyst wall is smooth and bilayered. Micropyle, polar granule, and oocyst residuum are absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, measuring 24.1 × 19.6 (23.0–25.5 × 18.7–20.5) μm; with a smooth single-layered wall, but there is no Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum is present as numerous small granules. Sporozoites are banana-shaped, blunt at one end, and slightly tapered at the other, each with a large single refractile body. C . cherrughi sp. n. is the third caryosporian species described from F . cherrug .
Jozef Chavko - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Changes in nesting habitat of the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) influenced its diet composition and potentially threatened its population in Slovakia in the years 1976–2016
Raptor Journal, 2019Co-Authors: Jozef Chavko, Roman Slobodník, Ján Lipták, Ján Obuch, Michal BalážAbstract:Abstract In the period between the years 1976 to 2016 we monitored the nesting site distribution of two populations of Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) concentrated in the highlands and adjacent lowlands of western and eastern Slovakia. In western Slovakia we recorded nesting by 56 pairs and 514 nestings, and in eastern Slovakia we observed nesting by 32 pairs and 245 nestings. There were similar nesting success rates in both regions, with pairs producing on average 3.2 young in every successful nest. During the monitored period as a whole a total of 1,788 young Saker Falcons were raised. At the same time all the pairs gradually resettled in the lowlands, and in the new environment the nesting success rate significantly improved (81.1% compared with 57.1 % in the highlands). This change of nesting biotopes was caused by the impacts of intensive exploitation and environmentally inappropriate forest management, with the accompanying excessive disturbance of nesting birds, but at the same time the disappearance of ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) colonies led to a change in the food spectrum for the observed Saker Falcon pairs. We evaluated the Falcons’ feeding habits in western Slovakia between the years 1977 and 2016 (49 pairs; 1–17 pairs/year) and in eastern Slovakia between 2009 and 2016 (12 pairs; 1–3 pairs/year). Altogether 17,669 prey items were identified. From 1976 onwards mammals (Mammalia, 19.8%, 24 species) became gradually less represented as a component in the Falcons’ diet compared with birds (Aves, 79.9%, 58 species). In areas of western Slovakia we found stable and predominant proportions of domestic pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) ranging from 52% to 62%. The proportion of pigeons was distinctly lower in eastern Slovakia (31.5%), compensated for by larger shares of common vole (Microtus arvalis), common starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) and hooded crow (Corvus cornix). The common starling (9.5%) was a significant prey species in the lowlands of western and eastern Slovakia alike. Mammals were mostly represented by common voles (9.8%), European hamsters (Cricetus cricetus, 5.3%), ground squirrels (2.1%) and hares (Lepus europaeus, 1.6%). Changes over time in the composition of Falcons’ prey were also evaluated over five periods in western Slovakia.
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Habitat Structure of Temporary Settlement Areas of Young Saker FalconFalco cherrugFemales during Movements in Europe
Acta Ornithologica, 2016Co-Authors: Vladimír Nemček, Jozef Chavko, Lucia Deutschová, Marcel Uhrin, Boris Maderič, Michal NogaAbstract:Abstract. During 2008–2011, nine juvenile Saker Falcon Falco cherrug females were tagged with satellite transmitters in Slovakia. Satellite telemetry provided new insights into the juveniles' movements. In this study we present the use of temporary settlement areas (TSAs) during the movement of the tracked juveniles. We characterized natal areas (NAs, the first TSA in the life cycle of juvenile, restricted to the nest) and TSAs as areas where the distance between the all-night perches did not exceed ten kilometres and where a particular bird spent at least five consecutive days. In these areas 3 types of polygons were identified in relationship to the area of use — a home range (95% kernel polygons), a core area (50% kernel polygons) and an overall used area (100% minimum convex polygons). The overall used areas were highly variable and probably influenced by exploratory flights, when Sakers fly out of their home ranges and come back at night. Habitat preference was then analysed in the TSAs for a better ...
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The Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) population, diet and nest boxes in Slovakia: LIFE-project report 2011–2014
Slovak Raptor Journal, 2014Co-Authors: Jozef Chavko, Roman Slobodník, Lucia Deutschová, Ján Lipták, Jozef Mihók, Ján Obuch, Vladimír NemčekAbstract:Abstract From October 201 0 until December 201 4 the LIFE09 NAT/HU/000384 project was implemented in four Special Protected Areas in Slovakia. The recent project was complementary to a previous LIFE project implemented between 2006 and 201 0. Both projects supported regular monitoring of the population of Saker Falcon and new approaches to conservation of the species. The LIFE09 project helped to increase knowledge about the prey composition and the behaviour of the species. The population was strongly affected in 201 3 by extremely bad weather conditions (1 .79 fledglings/breeding attempt). Although the total number of Saker Falcon pairs in Slovakia is thought to be higher, 31 pairs were breeding in 201 4. By analysis of the diet (2991 individuals), 47 prey species were identified, from which birds were predominant (80%). More than half of the diet consisted of feral pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) (59%)
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Trend and conservation of Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) population in western Slovakia between 1976 and 2010
Slovak Raptor Journal, 2012Co-Authors: Jozef ChavkoAbstract:During the 35-year study period (1976-2010) the nesting distribution, population size and dynamics, as well as negative factors influencing the Saker Falcon population in western Slovakia were surveyed. After 1993 all of the nesting pairs have gradually resettled to the neighbouring agrocoenoses, previously used for hunting and wintering. This process was considerably influenced by management practices, especially the installation of 151 nest boxes on electricity pylons in lowland agrocoenoses in western Slovakia. Since 2009 all pairs have been nesting in agrocoenoses. During the last decade the number of nesting pairs has increased 145% and the nesting area of the Saker has increased three-fold in western Slovakia. Data about 47 pairs and 345 nesting events were used to evaluate the population trend. The pairs raised 797 fledglings in 247 successful breeding attempts. Average success for all breeding attempts was 2.3 fledglings, and 3.2 fledglings for successful breeding attempts. The main reasons for losses during the study period are considered to be drastic changes in feeding and breeding habitats, illegal shooting and poisoning as well as nest robberies.
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Population of Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) in Western Slovakia between 1976 and 2010
2012Co-Authors: Jozef Chavko, Lucia DeutschováAbstract:The population of Saker Falcon in Western Slovakia was under a systematic monitoring since 1976. Gathered data were used to assess the distribution and population trends. The population has grown almost fourfold, from 7 pairs in 1979 to 27 pairs in 2010. During the study period nesting of 47 pairs was recorded. A total of 797 juveniles fledged successfully from the nests. The area of distribution has changed and increased significantly, majority of the pairs from mountains has moved to the lowland cultivated land. Management measures, such as guarding of the nests and installation of nest boxes, were of crucial importance for the population. Nowadays the population is dependent on artificial breeding opportunities and alternate feeding sources, as Feral Pigeon is the most common prey at present. Negative factors were surveyed as well. Several actions for its elimination were carried out, such as insulation of dangerous power lines, reduction of illegal activities, management of nesting and breeding habitats. Implementation of most of the measures would not be possible without different conservation programmes.
Igor V. Karyakin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The First Results of the Project on Restoration of Genetic Diversity of the Saker Falcon Populations in the Altai-Sayan Region, Russia
LLC Sibecocenter, 2018Co-Authors: Igor V. Karyakin, Elvira G. Nikolenko, Elena P. Shnayder, Ludmila S. Zinevich, Darja N. Rozhkova, Eugenie I. Sarychev, Irina R. BemeAbstract:On summer 2017 a pilot project on population recovery of Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) was conducted in Altai-Sayan region of Russia. Ten 20-days old Falcons of “Altaic” morph from a breeding center were placed in nests of wild Falcons of other color morphs. Sequence of control region (D-loop) of mitochondrial genome from 414 to 1417 bp (1004 bp) proofed that in particular cases haplotypes of non-native nestlings from the breeding center were similar to those of native Falcons that acted as adoptive parents. Analysis also revealed that haplotypes of nestlings matched the previously determined western and eastern haplogroups. Ten nestlings from a breeding center were placed in 6 nests of wild Sakers with 24 native nestlings. Video-recording revealed no aggression between native and no-native nestlings, as well as no aggression from adult birds towards non-native nestlings. The losses before fledging amounted to 4 nestlings. One native and one non-native nestlings were killed on a nest by an Eagle Owl in Altai Republic, and 2 native nestlings died for an unknown cause in Tuva Republic. In total, 9 non-native nestlings and 21 native nestlings successfully fledged and left the nests. The known losses after fledging amounted to 2 young birds – one native and one non-native, both were killed by bigger raptors. The youngest female from the nest in Altai Republic tagged with GPS-GSM tracker successfully migrates and winters now in Mongolia
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Saker Falcon in the altai sayan region results of monitoring in 2016 2018
Пернатые хищники и их охрана, 2018Co-Authors: Igor V. Karyakin, Elvira G. Nikolenko, Sibecocenter Llc, Elena P. ShnayderAbstract:This article represents the results of Saker Falcon’s ( Falco cherrug ) population monitoring in the Altai-Sayan Ecoregion (ASER), as well as results of satellite research of the species including population genetical research. The study area includes Krasnoyarsk Kray, Khakasia, Tuva and Altai Republics, and mountainous part of Altai Kray of Russia. In 2016–2108, 129 breeding territories of Saker were checked (that makes 35.44% from all known breeding territories of the species in the region). Ninety out of 129 territories were occupied by Sakers and 47 territories represented sights of successful breeding. Estimation of population size in ASER in 2018 was 1103–1216 (mean 1163) breeding pairs, but 592–650 (mean 623) pairs that succeed in breeding. Through the last 20 years, the population declined by 43.43%. The woodland population inhabited plain part of Alyai Kray become completely extinct despite the diminished load of poaching in this region. We revealed a rapid loss of Falcons belong to a so known “Altai” form of Saker ( altaicus ) and of nominative subspecies ( F. ch. cherrug ). The main reason that leads ASER population of Sakers to decline is a selective capturing of females for the purpose of Falconry that is traditional in the countries of the Middle East. Our longstanding observations showed that a male could be found in his breeding area for about 10 years average, but females in pairs change regularly and occupy the breeding territory no more than 2 years before vanishing. Poachers aimed to capture females of “ cherrug ” and “ altaicus ” phenotypes or the most similar ones, thus other phenotypes like “ progressus ” and “ milvipes ” with intense spotting on the back are less exposed to poaching.
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Root causes of the decreasing in numbers of the Saker Falcon and ways of its decision within the Saker Falcon Global Action Plan in Russia and Kazakhstan
LLC Sibecocenter, 2015Co-Authors: Elvira G. Nikolenko, Igor V. Karyakin, Anatoliy S. LevinAbstract:This report summarizes information on factors impacting on the decrease in numbers of the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) in Russia and Kazakhstan and analyses conditions в of the Global Action Plan that are aimed at neutralization of these factors to increase in numbers and sustainable management of the Saker Falcon in the wild
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Results of Monitoring of the Saker Falcon Population in the Altai-Sayan Region in 2014, Russia
LLC Sibecocenter, 2015Co-Authors: Igor V. Karyakin, Elvira G. Nikolenko, Elena P. ShnayderAbstract:Based on author’s research in 2014 the paper contains information on distribution, numbers and breeding biology of the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) in the Altai-Sayan region. A total of 112 breeding territories of the Saker Falcon (28.9% of the territories already known in the Altai-Sayan region) located in the Krasnoyarsk Kray, Khakassia, Tyva and Altai Republics were visited in 2014: 94 territories were occupied and 44 territories were successful. Six new territories were discovered in 2014, 7 – recovered within borders of an old empty territory and 11 – were noted as abandoned in 2014. A total of 25 breeding territories of the Saker Falcon located in the Altai Kray were visited in 2014: 4 territories were occupied and 3 territories were successful. Considering the expert estimation a total of 1237–1473 pairs (averaging 1355 pairs) breed in the Altai-Sayan region in 2014, and 618–736 pairs (averaging 677 pairs) are successful. The population trend was noted as negative and was -26% per past 12 years of the census conducted. The positive population trend for the Saker Falcon has been recorded for the last 3 years due to the growth of its population in Tuva – 2% for the region. Estimation a total of 34–45 pairs (averaging 39 pairs) breed in the Altai Kray in 2014, and 17–22 pairs (averaging 19 pairs) are successful. The population trend was noted as negative and was -67% per past 12 years of the census conducted (Saker Falcon population in the pine forests has virtually been extinct)
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Events
LLC Sibecocenter, 2015Co-Authors: Igor V. Karyakin, Elvira G. NikolenkoAbstract:On the April 8-10 of 2014 an International Conference “Birds of Prey in the North Caucasus and Adjacent Regions: distribution, ecology, population dynamics, protection” was held in Sochi National Park, Sochi, Russia. The Saker Falcon Falco cherrug Global Action Plan (SakerGAP) has been presented at the 11th Meeting of the Parties of the Bonn Convention (CMS), which took place in Quito (Ecuador) on 4-9 November 2014. On the December 17 of 2014 a meeting between inspectors of Nature Reserve “Khakasskiy”, police of Khakasia Republic and experts of Siberian Environmental Center was held in the Nature Reserve “Khakasskiy”. On the December 20 of 2014 an annual meeting of members of Siberian Environmental Center (SEC) was held in Akademgorodok, Novosibirsk, Russia. Project leaders presented reports on the main activities and achievements gained in 2014. The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) became the Bird of the Year announced by the public organization "APB-BirdLife Belarus". The 9th ARRCN Symposium 2015 will be held during 21st–25th October 2015 at the Novotel Hotel, Chumphon, Thailand, one of the most favored travel destinations in Asia
