Research Overview
Since the early 1990s research into conservation and sustainable use of the Saker Falcon has been carried out by biologists and veterinarians. This work has been carried out on behalf of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) by International Wildlife Consultants (UK) Ltd throughout the global range of the Saker Falcon. Our research relies on expertise and experience gathered from a collaboration of a number of scientists, biologists, conservationists and veterinarians; all with a common interest in raptor conservation and use in falconry.
International Wildlife Consultants are:
- conducting a DNA analysis of the global population range of the Saker Falcon.
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Radio and wing tagged Saker Falcon chicks in Mongolia © Nyambayar Batbayar |
We aim to use genetic markers to identify population sub-structuring across the global breeding range of Saker Falcons, in order to be able to identify the origin of wild-caught Sakers used in Arabic falconry. This will include examination of differences between the Saker populations of central Europe, eastern Europe and Kazakhstan to inform a reintroduction project for the Saker in Bulgaria. We are also creating a DNA database of breeding Saker Falcons at the artificial nest areas in Mongolia to determine population turnover rates.
- preparing a scientific monograph on the Saker.
- preparing and publishing various scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.
- promoting research and education through the internet, magazine publishing, conferences etc.
We take a proactive role in promoting Saker Falcon research and education. Much of our research is shared through internet sources, magazines and in conferences such as the recent Conference of Parties in Abu Dhabi for the Convention on Migratory Species (Bonn Convention). We actively encourage publication of conservation and management research into Sakers and other raptor species, much of which is published in FALCO.