Saker falcons are among the most prized falconry birds and face severe welfare threats from illegal wild capture, population decline, and intensive captive use.
Wild capture involves trapping stress, transport in poor conditions, and adaptation to captivity that many birds do not survive. Falconry birds kept in inadequate conditions show tethering injuries, feather damage, and stereotypic behaviors. Power line electrocution causes immediate death or severe burns. Captive falconry requires regular jessing, hood training, and handling causing ongoing stress. The demand for wild-caught birds drives continued illegal trapping.