Red-headed Falcon / Shaheen / Barbary Falcon
Barbary Falcon
Status: Category III, Critically Endangered, CR: R. Kyrgyz ornithologists believe that this species, which is endangered in Kyrgyzstan, requires a review of its current status on the IUCN list [1]. It is one of 10 species of the genus in the fauna of Kyrgyzstan, inhabiting the subspecies F p. babylonicus P.L. Sclater, 1861.
Distribution overall and in the country. The mountains of North Africa, the Near East, Central and Central Asia [23]. In Kyrgyzstan, it inhabits the Alai and Tien Shan mountains [2, 38].
Habitat. Cliffs and clay precipices in desert foothills and mid-mountain zones [2, 38]. Found nesting in the mountains surrounding Issyk-Kul and Song-Kul, along the Naryn River, in the Kyrgyz and Alai ridges, as well as in the Talas Ala-Too [2].
Population. Approximately 10 breeding pairs are found in the republic.
Life cycle (lifestyle). Forms permanent pairs, the nest is used for several consecutive years. Clutch consists of 2-5 eggs laid in the second half of February [2]. The incubation period lasts about 33 days, and the chicks leave the nest 43 days after hatching. They hunt exclusively in the air [23].
Limiting factors. Nest destruction, capture by amateur hunters. Disturbance factors.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). They are kept in nurseries and breed [23].
Existing conservation measures. Included in the Red Data Book of Kyrgyzstan. Listed in Appendix 1 of the "Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora." Protected in the republic's reserves [3].
Recommended conservation measures. It is necessary to work with IUCN on changing the status of the Barbary Falcon in the IUCN lists. Conduct educational work among the population about the need to protect birds of prey. Create reserves in nesting areas. Strengthen protection of identified nesting sites. Identify factors determining their extremely low population.
Shaheen
Barbary Falcon
Falco pelegrinoides Temminck, 1829, ssp. babilonicus P.L. Sclater, 1861
Status: Category III, Critically Endangered, CR: R. Kyrgyz ornithologists are keen to reconsider the current status of the Barbary Falcon in the IUCN list. It prefers rocks and clay precipices in the midlands. Breeds in the mountains around Issyk-Kul and Song-Kul lakes, along the Naryn River, in Kyrgyz, Talas, and Alai mountain ridges. It is estimated that up to 10 breeding pairs occur in Kyrgyzstan. Lays 2-5 eggs in late February, incubates for 33 days. Juveniles leave nests in 43 days. Lives largely on birds like ducks, partridges, pigeons, etc., preys only in the air. Captured by smugglers during the nesting season is a major threat. Included in the Kyrgyz Red Book of 1985. It is recommended to establish protected areas around nesting sites.
