2025/08/28 by Neil Vaughan · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · #Archipelago #Avian ecology and behavior #Biology #Demography #Ecology #Genetic diversity and population structure #Geography #Population #Turtle Biology and Conservation #Zoology
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/15594491.2025.2534766
openalex publication_date 2025/08/28 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/15
I investigated Sooty Falcons (Falco concolor) to assess population size, locations of breeding pairs, and nests in Big Giftun Island, Hurghada Archipelago, Egypt. My observations and explorations took place over six daily visits in August 2022. In total, I found 13 Sooty Falcons, comprised of six breeding pairs and one unpaired individual. I found four nesting ledges and recorded the number of eggs or evidence of breeding in each of them. The only nest with confirmed nesting activity contained one egg that was directly observed on 8 August 2022. I provide locations and photographs of the nests, with descriptions of the nesting habitat and surrounding terrain. Evidence from previous studies suggest Sooty Falcon numbers are in further decline. The conservation status of Sooty Falcons has been up-listed twice over the past two decades as their population has become increasingly vulnerable.