This large, powerful falcon is threatened by the loss of its steppe habitat and by the illegal trade in birds for use in falconry.


At a glance
Most of the dry grassy plains that were the saker’s stronghold in eastern Europe have been ploughed to make way for arable crops. Habitat loss due to agriculture is also a problem in central Asia. Sakers are sometimes poisoned after eating rodents contaminated with pesticides, and are persecuted by shepherds and farmers at their nests.

Other threats
However, by far the worst threat to the species is the international trade in juvenile sakers, which are highly sought after since falconers can train them. It is estimated that every year hundreds are trapped in Syria alone.

What are charities doing to help?
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds  (RSPB)  and its sister organisation the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds  (BSPB) are working together to save endangered birds of prey in the steppe lands of Bulgaria. The saker is one of the ‘flagship species’ for their joint project.

The two organisations have already set up nest-guarding schemes to protect the precious few saker nests that remain in Bulgaria. In addition, the country’s national electricity company is helping to install artificial nesting platforms for the falcons on its pylons. The aim is to build several hundred platforms in areas away from human disturbance.

'By far the worst threat to the species is the international trade in juvenile sakers, which are highly sought after since falconers can train them.'

More about the BSPB
Meanwhile, the BSPB has started to raise public awareness of the threat to this fantastic bird of prey. The BSPB is also working actively with the Bulgarian government and other agencies to combat the illegal trade in sakers and secure legal protection for the country’s wildlife-rich steppe habitat - one of the least protected habitats in Europe.

What can I do?
Donate money to the BBC Wildlife Fund, which will enable the BSPB to continue its essential work.

Did you know?

• Saker falcons do not build their own nests, but take over old nests of other birds such as a buzzards or crows.
• When diving headlong after prey, sakers can reach speeds of up to 200mph.
• Sakers are capable of tackling prey larger than themselves, and have even been known to kill herons.
• Each year, more than 6,000 wild-caught sakers are sold in the Middle East.
• Some sakers have extremely pale plumage, appearing almost white in flight. Wealthy falconers are prepared to pay a fortune for these attractive birds.
• The saker is not considered to occur naturally in the British Isles.  All British and Irish sightings of this falcon almost certainly involve birds that have escaped from captivity or were released deliberately.