Long-term monitoring of an insular population of Barbary Falcon Falco peregrinus pelegrinoides

Abstract

Territory spacing and breeding rates of an insular population (north-western Tenerife, Canary Islands) of Barbary Falcon Falco peregrinus pelegrinoides was studied from 1993 to 2008. The population increased constantly since the outset, from two pairs in 1993 to 12 in 2008. Mean density was 5.48 pairs per 100 km2 and mean nearest neighbour distance was 3 119 m. The regularity of the spatial distribution pattern of the nests, observed in most years, may be maintained in the future despite the expectation that new pairs may occupy still-vacant territories. Considering the 79 breeding attempts analysed, the mean number of fledged young per territorial pair was 1.92, per laying pair was 2.0 (n = 76), and per successful pair was 2.24 (n = 68). No significant variations were observed between the annual mean number of fledged young per laying pair, nor between the number of fledged young of pairs according to density in a 5 km radius. All fledglings (brood size one to four) left the nest in the month of May. In order to avoid affecting breeding success, sporting activities practised in the breeding areas must be correctly managed by the appropriate authorities.