Saker Falcon Welfare and Steppe Breeding Habitat in Central Asia

The saker falcon is a powerful raptor of Central Asian steppe and semi-arid habitats, facing severe welfare threats from illegal trapping for the falconry trade, persecution, and breeding habitat loss.

Key Facts

The global saker falcon population has declined by over 50% in three generations
Central Asia holds the core breeding population across Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia
Illegal trapping for the Middle Eastern falconry trade removes thousands of birds annually
Powerline electrocution is a significant mortality cause across the breeding range
Nest boxes installed on electricity pylons have significantly boosted breeding productivity

Welfare Considerations

Saker falcon welfare is acutely threatened by illegal trapping, which causes physical injury during capture, stress from confinement and transport, and high mortality among birds that do not survive the trade. Birds trapped as adults are removed from established territories, disrupting pairs and causing nest failure. Powerline electrocution causes traumatic death or severe burns requiring euthanasia. Conservation programmes combining legal protection, anti-poaching enforcement, and pylon-mounted nest boxes address multiple welfare threats simultaneously.

What You Can Do

Support Raptors MoU and BirdLife International programmes combating illegal saker falcon trade
Advocate for international legal frameworks that close markets for illegally traded falcons
Report suspected illegal falcon trapping to CITES and national wildlife authorities
Donate to nest box programmes that provide safe breeding sites away from dangerous powerlines
Engage with falconry organisations on sustainable and welfare-positive practices