Oldest known captive Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug cherrug) at 31 years old

By

Petrov, Rusko
Cholakova, Dariya

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-8-8

Original Publication

Biodiversity data journal

Volume

13

Pages

1--6

Subjects

Bulgaria , captive breeding , captive breeding , falcons lifespan , raptor conservation

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia Pensoft Publishers [2013]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e159703

 

Abstract

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.