The use of DNA fingerprinting to estimate annual survival rates in the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug)

DNA fingerprinting of nestlings of Falco cherrug was used to determine indirectly the survival of the corresponding adult parent birds, which are difficult to catch in sufficient numbers. This approach is possible because Saker falcons show a high degree of site and mate tenacity. DNA profiles of nestlings from the same territory but from different years were compared. Three patterns of band-sharing coefficients between broods from the same territory were found: if band-sharing coefficients within and between broods from consecutive years were similar but significantly different from those of unrelated birds, it indicated that all young were full sibs and that neither adult was replaced between years. If band-sharing coefficients between broods at the same site indicated no relatedness across years and were equal to those of unrelated birds, then both breeding partners apparently had changed. If the band-sharing coefficients between broods of the same territory and consecutive years were significantly lower than those of full sibs, but higher than those of unrelated birds, the loss of one adult bird was indicated. The analysis of 32 broods (years 1993 to 1997) provided a minimal estimate for annual adult survival of 82% for a wild population of Saker Falcons in Kazakhstan.