Saker Satellite Tracking
Introduction
In 2009 we fitted GPS satellite transmitters to 10 adult Saker Falcons breeding at our Artificial Nest Experimental Area near Bayan in Tov Aimag, central Mongolia. The GPS locations enable us to plot the movements of the birds across our artificial nest grids during their breeding cycle. We use this data on ranging behaviour in conjunction with data on diet and rodent densities in our artificial grids to gain a better understanding predator-prey dynamics in the steppe ecosystem. The detailed movements of the Sakers at their breeding area is not shown on this website, instead we have plotted the post-breeding movements of these adult birds.
Previous satellite tracking studies of Saker Falcons in Mongolia showed that individual birds varied a great deal in their behaviour. Some Sakers migrated long distances to wintering sites in the south (especially to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China), others made shorter distance movements to wintering areas within Mongolia, some wandered widely using several temporary settlement areas, whilst others were largely sedentary. Currently, we do not fully understand the reasons for this individual variation but it is likely to be related to age and sex differences between birds, differing external environmental influences such as food supply and weather conditions, and to the genetic make-up of individuals in relation to their migratory behaviour.
In addition to the breeding Sakers in our Artificial Nest Experimental Area we have also satellite tracked three Saker Falcons from the Gobi. These birds were tagged in southern Mongolia at the ‘Small Gobi B Strictly Protected Area’ as part of a project conducted by the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center and BirdLife International to investigate potential impacts of infrastructure development on Saker Falcons and Houbara Bustards in southern Gobi desert. Project’s main focus area is a proposed road to transport copper and other minerals from Oyu Tolgoi Mine to the Chinese border. Two adults and one juvenile Saker Falcon were satellite tagged in June and July 2009. Satellite tracking data from these birds will help researchers to assess the potential impacts on breeding birds and their hunting areas and could lead to develop guidance on an alternative road for developers.