Past and Present Status of the Saker Falcon, Falco cherrug (Aves: Falconidae) in Bulgaria

Evidence for the presence of sakers in Bulgaria dates from 1500-3000 years ago. The first documented records of breeding sakers go back to the 13th century. We collected 337 breeding records of sakers in Bulgaria (1860-2013), comprising 176 locations (52 Confirmed, 16 Probable and 108 Possible). Our study suggests that in the 19th century the species was scarce and/or localised in its distribution range, with a declining population. The decline has continued through 20th and 21st Centuries. Recently, 94% of the total number of the known breeding locations were surveyed (N=165; including all Probable and Confirmed locations and 90% of the Possible locations). The survey covered 31,000 km(2) (c. 28% of Bulgarian territory) and revealed more than 33% of the known breeding populations of Long-legged Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagle, Imperial Eagle and Egyptian Vulture. Only 3 sakers (single birds) were recorded in 2011, 2012 and 2013, with no further confirmation for the breeding. The last documented Confirmed breeding records were in 1997 (a successfully fledged young) and 1998 (the nest failed during the nestling period). The restoration of the saker breeding population requires an integrated approach, by operating at various scales from the landscape to the species level.