LIFE SakerRoads

LIFE SakerRoads, co-financed by the EU LIFE Programme, aims to increase the population size and breeding success of saker falcons in Hungary's Northern Great Plain. Saker falcons face a number of threats, in particular high human-induced mortality of adults and juveniles. Between 2009-2019, this accounted for 95% of saker falcon deaths, where the cause was known, in Hungary. Electrocution on medium-voltage power line poles was the biggest culprit (51%), with other deaths caused by illegal poisoning, collisions with vehicles or overhead cables and shooting. There is also a high prevalence of mortality and breeding failure with unknown causes. Decreased breeding success due to low availability of preferred prey species also presents a threat. Recent surveys found that four taxa represent the bulk of saker falcons’ prey (86%) in Hungary: pigeon species, common starling, brown hare and common vole. Decreased availability of safe nesting sites is another problem for saker falcons. As they do not build nests themselves, the birds are highly dependent on nesting sites built by other species or provided by humans. Lastly, saker falcons are affected by low awareness among stakeholders and the public about the species and the threats it faces. Most land users tend to be unaware of the birds’ presence and whether their activities could accidently threaten their survival, breeding success or food supply. Specifically, the project seeks to: - Decrease human-induced mortality - Reveal the unknown causes of mortality and breeding failure - Improve breeding success through increased availability of prey species and nesting sites - Increase the awareness of key stakeholders and the public about the species and its threats