The status and risk of extinction of Saker Falcon <i>(Falco cherrug)</i> in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract The Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) is one of the most threatened birds of prey species of the Eurasian steppe zone. While conservation efforts are successful and populations are growing in Central Europe, in the Republic of Moldova, the population is declining due to low conservation efforts and high environmental pressures on this species. Due to the present survey effort, the breeding areas of Saker Falcon was designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) site to conserve the species population from the Republic of Moldova. But, habitat loss, main prey decline – Speckled Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus suslicus) – lack of nests, intensive agriculture, electrocution, poisoning, shooting, and trapping for falconry have been identified as threats to the Saker Falcon population in the country. Besides these threats, in the last two years, the State Electric Enterprise „Moldelectrica” carried out technical maintenance works on the high voltage power transmission lines, which resulted in removing any existing nests situated on the pillars, including Raven (Corvus corax) and Saker Falcon nests. Consequently, in the last two years, none of the Saker Falcon’s known occupied territories were confirmed. Given these circumstances, it is extremely urgent to take action and save the Saker Falcon population in the Republic of Moldova. The first step towards efficient conservation is to install artificial nest boxes on high-voltage poles, otherwise, the species risks extinction in the country.