2025/08/08 by Rusko Petrov, Dariya Cholakova · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Environmental Science · #Avian ecology and behavior #Bat Biology and Ecology Studies #Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
paper · doi:10.3897/bdj.13.e159703
openalex publication_date 2025/08/08 · openalex created_date 2025/08/16 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/02
Saker Falcons play an important role in the ecosystems they are part of, but their population has been globally declining. Despite many Saker Falcons being bred in captivity, both for falconry and conservation, little is known about the longevity of the species. We report a Saker Falcon has lived to the unprecedented age for the species - 31 years old, at the Green Balkans Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, highlighting the importance of careful management and expert care. To our knowledge, this is the oldest living Saker Falcon, suggesting that, with a better understanding of the species needs and better care, Saker Falcons can live longer than previously believed. Longer lifespans of Saker Falcons in captivity could improve conservation efforts and result in greater success for Saker Falcon conservation projects.