Falco Cherrug Research Articles

Missed, Not Missing: Phylogenomic Evidence for the Existence of Avian FoxP3.

The Forkhead box transcription factor FoxP3 is pivotal to the development and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which make a major contribution to peripheral tolerance. FoxP3 is believed to perform a regulatory role in all the vertebrate species in which it has been detected. The prevailing view is that FoxP3 is absent in birds and that avian Tregs rely on alternative developmental and suppressive pathways. Prompted by the automated annotation of foxp3 in the ground tit (Parus humilis) genome, we have questioned this assumption. Our analysis of all available avian genomes has revealed that the foxp3 locus is missing, incomplete or of poor quality in the relevant genomic assemblies for nearly all avian species. Nevertheless, in two species, the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and the saker falcon (F. cherrug), there is compelling evidence for the existence of exons showing synteny with foxp3 in the ground tit. A broader phylogenomic analysis has shown that FoxP3 sequences from these three species are similar to crocodilian sequences, the closest living relatives of birds. In both birds and crocodilians, we have also identified a highly proline-enriched region at the N terminus of FoxP3, a region previously identified only in mammals.

Evidence for deleterious effects of harness-mounted satellite transmitters on Saker Falcons Falco cherrug

Capsule This study identifies lethal and sub-lethal effects associated with the deployment of harness-mounted satellite transmitters on a large falcon species.Aims We examined the effect of harness-mounted satellite transmitters and patagial tags on survival, behaviour and physical health of adult Saker Falcons.Methods We compared breeding turnover of Saker Falcons deployed with harness-mounted satellite transmitters or patagial tags with unmarked birds identified by using genetic markers. In addition, observational data were recorded on the breeding behaviour and physical condition of birds with satellite transmitters.Results This study found evidence of decreased survival, together with sub-lethal behavioural and physical effects, associated with the deployment of harness-mounted satellite transmitters on Saker Falcons. We found no effect of fitting patagial tags on breeding turnover, although the removal of patagial tags by several birds may have indicated they caused some degree of discomfort.Conclusion Researchers using harness-mounted transmitters on this, and similar, falcon species need to assess how these deleterious effects may impact on species conservation, the welfare of individual birds and the interpretation of their studies.

Устойчивое изъятие соколов – возможно ли в России и других странах СНГ?

This article was prepared according on the analysis of the situation with the poaching and smuggling of falcons (Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus , Saker Falcon F. cherrug and Peregrine Falcon F. peregrinus ) in CIS countries in 2006–2015. It is carried out within the program “Struggle against poaching and smuggling” of the Russian Raptor Research and Conservation Network. The total number of cases of “falcon detentions” in the CIS has 1.6 times increased for 10 years. The number of seized birds has 1.4 times increase from 538 in 1996–2005 to 737 in 2006–2015, including the number of Gyrfalcons has increased by 2.6 times (from 142 to 365), Saker Falcon – 1.1 times (from 260 to 284), Peregrine Falcon – 3.4 times (from 13 to 44). The rate of Gyrfalcon among seized birds has increased by 1.5 times, Peregrine Falcon – 2 times, and the rate of Saker Falcon has decreased by 1.5 times. The number of annual cases of “falcon detentions” has increased from 2–6 in 2006–2008 to 14–16 cases in 2014–2015, on an annual basis their dynamics is correlated with the changes in the legislation. The most effective detentions are in the Far East (Kamchatka and Chukotka), the second region of catching, where there are significantly more cases of detentions, is Altai-Sayan. The maximum number of detentions were made with the participation of MIA members (51); nearly half of the detentions were produced with FSS (23); 20 cases involved customs authorities; 11 cases – border guards. Regional bodies of Environmental Protection participated in arrest only 12 times, Rosprirodnadzor took part in three detentions. In 75 cases of 100 there were detained 155 people, including 51 locals, 13 residents from other regions of the same country, 13 foreign-born citizens and 65 foreigners. The maximum number of foreigners was detained in Siberia – 43 from 6 countries, they account for 75.4% of the total number of detainees, with 75% of foreigners – citizens of Syria. The export of falcons from Russia goes through the international airports of the European part of Russia and through Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Barbarous looting pillage of resources of large falcons in CIS countries, first of all, Gyrfalcon and Saker Falcon, ordered and paid by Arabian falconers. Today the existing need in falcons is ten times higher than the potential of nesting populations.

Балобан на полуострове Крым

In this article we made a revaluation of a number of the Saker ( Falco cherrug ) on the Crimean Peninsula based on data obtained in an expedition conducted in May 9–26 of 2015. During this expedition Sakers were observed on 58 sites (31 times they were seen on pylons of power lines, 14 – on cliffs in the foothills of Crimean Mountains, 8 – on the coastal cliffs and 4 on the coastal precipices, and one adult male was seen in the forest shelter belt near Syvash lagoon. We revealed 49 breeding territories of Saker including 42 occupied nests with successful breeding. The estimation of the total number of breeding population on peninsula is 145–184 (mean 165) breeding pairs, including 125–159 (mean 142) pairs which breeding attempts were successful in 2015. The distance between the neighboring pairs is 1.95–15.21 km (mean 6.56±3.37 km), n =43. Pylons of power lines were used by 30 breeding pairs (61.22%) out of 49, and 29 successful nests (69.05%) out of 42 were built on pylons. Supposedly, 63.83% of all breeding pairs in Crimea are bred on pylons, and the percentage of successful nests out of the total number of nests in population is 71.89%. From the 34 nests that were built on pylons, 24 (70.59%) were located on the concrete pylons and 10 (29.41%) on the metal ones. On cliffs and precipices we found 24 nests in total. Eighteen (75%) of them were built on a bare ground, while the others were found in the nests built by other bird species (most of them were made in the former nests of the Raven ( Corvus corax ), and one pair occupies a nest of the Long-legged Buzzard ( Buteo rufinus) located on cliff. The percentage of successful nests out of occupied ones was 85.71%. We found broods of 1–4 nestlings, which in average ( n =23) makes 2.83±0.78 nestling per successful nest. The majority of broods (65.22%) consisted of 3 nestlings. On 20 breeding territories (90.91%) male birds were older then 2 years old, and two breeding territories (9.09%) were occupied by males of 1 st or 2 nd calendar-year; females on 16 breeding territories (47.06%) were older then 2 years old, on 13 territories (38,24%) were of one year old and on 5 (14,71%) territories of two years old. We suppose a population decline in a range from 4.1% to 17.7% in the coming 5 years.

Планы по разработке газового месторождения Кансу на границе Устюртского заповедника – реальная угроза для экосистемы заповедника и крупнейшей популяции балобана в Кахахстане

Plans of JSC “KazMunayGaz” National Company” on developing the Kansu gas field, which is situated right next to current southern borders of Usturt natural reserve on Kenderli-Kayasan conservation zone (Mangystau Province of the Republic of Kazakhstan) are a direct danger for the largest population of the Saker Falcon Falco cherrug korelovi in Kazakhstan and for Kenderli-Kayasan conservation zone’s ecosystem as a whole. On the contrary, the realization of plans to expand the Usturt State Reserve within the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan/GEF/UNDP project “Rising of stability of systems in conservation territories in desert ecosystems through promoting life sustaining sources compatible with biodiversity in and around conservation areas” and international expert group’s initiative of Mangystau Protected Area System to be nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status could create favorable environment for Usturt population of the Saker Falcon. It’s evident that all possible outcomes should be taken into account in the long-term planning of future development of Mangystau region, and options of development with less negative effect on environment should be chosen. In their letter to President of Kazakhstan the experts described their opinion on the necessity of imposing a moratorium on exploration and development of the Kansu gas field and concentrating on alternative fields.

Conflictos entre avifauna e intereses humanos: eficacia de un servicio para ahuyentar gaviotas patiamarillas Larus michahellis mediante cetrería

Fernández-García, J.M., Gracianteparaluceta, A., Garaíta, R. 2015. 2015. Conflicts between birds and human interests: efficacy of deterring Yellow-legged Gulls Larus michahellis by means of falconry. Ecosistemas 24(2): 70-75. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.2014.24-2.11 Although an increasing number of conflicts between urban dwelling gulls and human activities are being reported around the world, few assessments on the success of deterring techniques have been published. We assessed the effectiveness of a Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis deterring service using falconry at a landfill site in Guipúzkoa (northern Spain) during the winter 2009-2010. We checked four types of indicators (abundance, behaviour, diet and dispersion of the gulls), searching for quantitative changes before and after the implementation of falconry. The reduction in the number of gulls at the landfill was immediate, drastic (-92 %) and persistent, and thereafter we did not record landing or resting gulls inside the site. The frequency of occurrence of waste remains in pellets was reduced (from 54 % to 27 %), while frequency of occurrence of the marine crab Polybius henslowii increased (from 45 % to 65 %). The proportion of dispersing gulls increased substantially (from 27 % to 91 %). The success of the falconry service was evidenced under particular conditions, namely the medium size of the landfill site, the raptor species used (hybrid falcons Falco cherrug x Falco rusticolus) and the constant presence of the falconer every day and throughout light hours. In view of our results and other assessments, these factors should be taken into account if such a persistent and high effectiveness is to be achieved elsewhere.

Influence of Nesting Location on Movements and Survival of Juvenile Saker FalconsFalco cherrugDuring the Post-Fledging Dependence Period

We used patagial tags, VHF radio transmitters, and satellite-received transmitters to investigate the movements and survival of juvenile saker falcons fledged from artificial nests in open landscapes and natural nest sites in hilly areas in Mongolia. During the post-fledging dependence period (PFDP) juveniles progressively moved farther from their nest until dispersal from the natal area. Natal home ranges were larger for juveniles fledged at artificial than natural sites and the distance moved by juveniles during PFDP was positively related to fledging date and brood size. Duration of the PFDP was estimated as 40 days (range: 31–52 days). Over the PFDP, the best-fitting model to explain juvenile survival incorporated fledging date and nest site type, with juvenile survival being higher in early fledged broods from natural sites. Predation was identified as a major cause of mortality, especially in open landscapes where artificial nests were located. However, because artificial nests produced more fledglings, we found that overall productivity of juveniles to dispersal at artificial and natural nests sites did not differ significantly.

Kızılırmak Vadisinde Kuşları Etkileyen Olumsuz Faktörler

Totally, 263 bird species were observed in the Kizilirmak valley between 2010-2012 years. Among them were 93 residents, 82 summer migrants, 51 winter migrants and 37 transit migrants. When evaluated in IUCN criteria, Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), saker falcon (Falco cherrug) and velvet scoter (Melanitta fusca) are endengared (EN), marbled teal (Marmaronette angustirostris), great bustard (Otis tarda) and aquatic warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) are vulnareble (VU) and ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), red kite (Milvus milvus), pallid harrier (Circus macrourus), red footed falcon (Falco vespertinus), great snipe (Gallinago media), rock partridge (Alectoris graeca), black tailed godwit (Limosa limosa), European roller (Coracias garrulus) and semi collared flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata) are near threatened (NT). Among negatively affecting factors the birds, in Kizilirmak Valley; reed cutting, water regime changing, recreational activities in riverside, stubble burning, agricultural land expansion, chemical and noise pollution can be considered

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Saker falcon, Falco cherrug (Falco, Falconidae)

The Falco cherrug (Saker falcon) is a large bird of prey. In this article, the complete mitochondrial genome of F. cherrug has been determined for the first time. The mitogenome (18,059 bp) comprised 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 1 control region. Most protein-coding genes started with an ATG or ATA codon except for COI, which initiated with nontypical start codon of GTG instead, and terminated with the typical stop codon (TAA/TAG/AGA/AGG) or a single T. Two tandem repeats were identified in the control region, which was almost identical to Falco peregrinus, and the length of these two repeats are 204 bp and 291 bp, respectively.

Результаты мониторинга популяции балобана в Алтае-Саянском регионе в 2014 году; Россия

Based on author’s research in 2014 the paper contains information on distribution, numbers and breeding biology of the Saker Falcon ( Falco cherrug ) in the Altai-Sayan region. A total of 112 breeding territories of the Saker Falcon (28.9% of the territories already known in the Altai-Sayan region) located in the Krasnoyarsk Kray, Khakassia, Tyva and Altai Republics were visited in 2014: 94 territories were occupied and 44 territories were successful. Six new territories were discovered in 2014, 7 – recovered within borders of an old empty territory and 11 – were noted as abandoned in 2014. A total of 25 breeding territories of the Saker Falcon located in the Altai Kray were visited in 2014: 4 territories were occupied and 3 territories were successful. Considering the expert estimation a total of 1237–1473 pairs (averaging 1355 pairs) breed in the Altai-Sayan region in 2014, and 618–736 pairs (averaging 677 pairs) are successful. The population trend was noted as negative and was -26% per past 12 years of the census conducted. The positive population trend for the Saker Falcon has been recorded for the last 3 years due to the growth of its population in Tuva – 2% for the region. Estimation a total of 34–45 pairs (averaging 39 pairs) breed in the Altai Kray in 2014, and 17–22 pairs (averaging 19 pairs) are successful. The population trend was noted as negative and was -67% per past 12 years of the census conducted (Saker Falcon population in the pine forests has virtually been extinct).

Корни проблемы сокращения численности балобана и пути её решения в рамках Глобального плана действий по балобану на примере России и Казахстана

This report summarizes information on factors impacting on the decrease in numbers of the Saker Falcon ( Falco cherrug ) in Russia and Kazakhstan and analyses conditions в of the Global Action Plan that are aimed at neutralization of these factors to increase in numbers and sustainable management of the Saker Falcon in the wild.

Comparative analysis reveals loss of the appetite-regulating peptide hormone ghrelin in falcons

Ghrelin and leptin are key peripherally secreted appetite-regulating hormones in vertebrates. Here we consider the ghrelin gene (GHRL) of birds (class Aves), where it has been reported that ghrelin inhibits rather than augments feeding. Thirty-one bird species were compared, revealing that most species harbour a functional copy of GHRL and the coding region for its derived peptides ghrelin and obestatin. We provide evidence for loss of GHRL in saker and peregrine falcons, and this is likely to result from the insertion of an ERVK retrotransposon in intron 0. We hypothesise that the loss of anorexigenic ghrelin is a predatory adaptation that results in increased food-seeking behaviour and feeding in falcons.

Trapping of Saker Falcon Falco cherrug and Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus in Saudi Arabia: Implications for biodiversity conservation

The numbers of Falco cherrug and Falco peregrinus trapped during their migration over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) were investigated from published reports and through interviews with well-known trappers and dealers over several years (1989–2013). The number of trapped individuals increased for both species over a 23year period, which is probably related to an enhanced trapping effort. Time series analysis suggests that the number of Saker Falcons being trapped is likely to be stable with annual fluctuations in the coming ten-year period, whereas the number of trapped Peregrine Falcons will probably decline with a small fluctuation initially. Using the population viability analysis suggests a high extinction rate for the Saker Falcon population migrating through KSA during the coming 10 and 20years; whereas Peregrine Falcons probably take more than 100years to reach the extinction threshold. However, the increase in the trapping period, especially in the spring, that has been observed during the last five years could increase the number of falcons trapped in the future. As both falcon species are migratory, implementing conservation actions across all range states is important to ensure a favourable conservation status for the Saker and Peregrine Falcons. Both species will benefit through the implementation of the Global Action Plan (GAP), developed by the Saker Falcon Task Force.

The saker falcon (Falco cherrug) population, diet and nest boxes in Slovakia: LIFE-project report 2011–2014

Abstract From October 201 0 until December 201 4 the LIFE09 NAT/HU/000384 project was implemented in four Special Protected Areas in Slovakia. The recent project was complementary to a previous LIFE project implemented between 2006 and 201 0. Both projects supported regular monitoring of the population of saker falcon and new approaches to conservation of the species. The LIFE09 project helped to increase knowledge about the prey composition and the behaviour of the species. The population was strongly affected in 201 3 by extremely bad weather conditions (1 .79 fledglings/breeding attempt). Although the total number of saker falcon pairs in Slovakia is thought to be higher, 31 pairs were breeding in 201 4. By analysis of the diet (2991 individuals), 47 prey species were identified, from which birds were predominant (80%). More than half of the diet consisted of feral pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) (59%)

Movement of satellite-tracked juvenile saker falcons (Falco cherrug) in SW Slovakia

Abstract During the period 2008-2011 nine juvenile saker falcon females from SW Slovakia were tracked with satellite telemetry. The movement of four of those females tagged with satellite tracking devices was analysed in 2011 (two juveniles for 6 months, one for 5 months and one for 3 months). The analysis of the collision risk with wind turbines also used telemetry data from previous years (2008-2009) - five birds tracked from abandoning their nest to abandoning their post-fledging areas (i.e. 45, 48, 37, 11 3 and 1 34 days). The juveniles visited 1 3 different countries during their post-fledging dispersal and migration. Maximum distance from the nest varied between 1 53 and 2094 km. For two birds the cause of death was recorded: one female was electrocuted and other female was probably also electrocuted. We also evaluated two factors of potential wind turbine threat: a) the distance ofGPS locations from the nearest wind turbines in the vicinity of post-fledging areas, b) numbers ofwind turbines in post-fledging areas. Assessment of the collision risk with wind turbines showed low risk for the tracked individuals. Two of four tracked birds were at medium risk (2-5 km) from wind turbines. The highest risk for the young falcons comes from wind turbines in neighbouring countries, where they are constructed near borders

Conservation of European ground squirrel (Mammalia: Rodentia) in Slovakia: Results of current reintroduction programme

Abstract Conservation of European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) has been supported by the LIFE - Nature project “Conservation of Falco cherrug in NE Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia” during the period 201 0-201 4. The project activities were usually focused on EGS reintroduction programmmes with the aim of ensuring the food base for selected species of birds in areas where EGS were the primary historical prey and have become extinct. Reintroduction programmes were carried out at two sites in Slovakia: Piesocná (Moravský Svätý Ján) and Pod Okrúhlou skalou (Tisovec). Together 1 74 individuals were released at Pod Okrúhlou skalou and 284 individuals at the Piesocná target site. Monitoring of both repatriated colonies focused on the natality and distribution area. At both target sites successful hibernation and reproduction have been confirmed. The repatriation date was strongly influenced by weather conditions, especially during the rainy season. It was necessary to cut the grass several times per season, in order to ensure appropriate conditions for individuals’ survival. It was also necessary to protect the individuals against predators. House cats tend to hunt squirrels, which can be considered as the most serious threat at the Piesocná site. Squirrels at the Pod Okrúhlou skalou site were overly attacked by foxes. Intensive care (especially appropriate management of sites and additional feeding) ensured good stability of colonies, their survival and increase

Bird conservation on electric-power lines in Hungary: Nest boxes for saker falcon and avian protection against electrocutions. Projects' report

Abstract Bird conservation on electricity transmission lines has a 40-year history in Hungary. It started with the saker conservation program. The initial small-scale activities were considerably enlarged through the LIFE projects. In the first project, 301 nest boxes for sakers of a new type made of aluminium were installed on pylons of high-voltage transmission lines. In 201 3 nearly 70% of saker pairs nested in these new boxes. An estimated 1 00 000 different birds used to be killed annually on the transmission line pylons in Hungary. During the two LIFE projects about 1 4 300 pylons were made bird-safe using improved technology and materials. Nearly 800 new bird-safe crossarms of pylons are being installed in the second project, which is expected to completely eradicate the danger

Балобан в биосферном заповеднике "Аскания-Нова", Украина

Первый случай гнездования балобана на территории заповедника «Аскания-Нова» был отмечен нами в 2013 г. – 16 мая было обнаружено гнездо, которое располагалось на металлической опоре ЛЭП 35 кВ.

An immunohistochemical study of the endocrine pancreas in raptors

The cytoarchitecture of the endocrine pancreas of 10 raptors (golden eagles, peregrine falcons, Saker falcon, turkey vultures, red-tailed hawk and unspecified falcon) was examined by immunohistochemistry. Three islet types were identified: type A mixed islets composed mainly by glucagon (A)-secreting cells, type B mixed islets with predominantly insulin (B)-secreting cell component and type M mixed islets (type M) consisting of variable number of glucagon-, insulin- and somatostatin (D)-secreting cells. The latter were further characterized into Type I, II or III according to the cell distribution of the three cell types. A and D cells were also randomly scattered within the exocrine pancreas. The results of this study suggest that the classical concept in birds of a segregation of A and B cells in well-defined and distinct islets is not applicable in raptors, reflecting an evolutionary adaptation to different dietary habits and variation in developmental mechanisms.

Exonic versus intronic SNPs: contrasting roles in revealing the population genetic differentiation of a widespread bird species.

Recent years have seen considerable progress in applying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to population genetics studies. However, relatively few have attempted to use them to study the genetic differentiation of wild bird populations and none have examined possible differences of exonic and intronic SNPs in these studies. Here, using 144 SNPs, we examined population genetic differentiation in the saker falcon (Falco cherrug) across Eurasia. The position of each SNP was verified using the recently sequenced saker genome with 108 SNPs positioned within the introns of 10 fragments and 36 SNPs in the exons of six genes, comprising MHC, MC1R and four others. In contrast to intronic SNPs, both Bayesian clustering and principal component analyses using exonic SNPs consistently revealed two genetic clusters, within which the least admixed individuals were found in Europe/central Asia and Qinghai (China), respectively. Pairwise D analysis for exonic SNPs showed that the two populations were significantly differentiated and between the two clusters the frequencies of five SNP markers were inferred to be influenced by selection. Central Eurasian populations clustered in as intermediate between the two main groups, consistent with their geographic position. But the westernmost populations of central Europe showed evidence of demographic isolation. Our work highlights the importance of functional exonic SNPs for studying population genetic pattern in a widespread avian species.