Russia

Research on Peregrines (Falco peregrinus calidus) breeding in arctic Eurasia

Summary

Peregrine Falcon chicks in Northern Russia. © Andrew Dixon

This work is undertaken in collaboration with Dr. A. Sokalov, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Labytnangi Research Station.

This field research programme is taking place over five years at five locations across arctic Eurasia, with one location visited each year over the period. The locations for each field season have been selected to cover the breeding range distribution of calidus Peregrines in arctic Eurasia (see Map 1; 1: Kola Peninsula; 2: Yamal Peninsula; 3: Taimyr Peninsula; 4: Lena River and 5: Kolyma River). At each study areas we are trapping a minimum of six adult Peregrines close to their nest sites and fitting satellite transmitters in order to track their migration and survival. At each of these study areas blood samples are collected from chicks at a minimum of 10 different eyries in order to undertake DNA analysis. Once collected, the DNA markers will be used to determine if there is any geographical variation within the breeding calidus Peregrine population across arctic Eurasia. In addition, any unhatched eggs are collected for environmental contaminant analysis.

Map 1. Distribution of proposed field study areas across breeding range of calidus Peregrines

Conservation

Current data show that the calidus Peregrine is doing reasonably well in most of its breeding range. In common with other Peregrine subspecies, calidus frequently occupies ‘traditional’ breeding territories that are used for generations. Nest sites on the Kolyma River and southern Yamal Peninsula are occasionally only 3-5 km apart, but nests are usually 15-20 km apart (data from pre-pesticide era). In the post-pesticide era somewhat similar dispersion distances have been reported for the Taimyr Peninsula for the period 1996-98 and in southern Yamal. It is believed that there was some population decline as a result of organochloride pesticide poisoning, but that the population has since recovered. In the late 1970s there were an estimated 200-220 breeding pairs on Taymyr, which had increased to an estimated 400-430 by the end of the 1990s.

Satellite Tracking

By using satellite tracking we are able to determine migration pathways and wintering areas for geographically separated breeding populations of calidus Peregrines. We can also obtain additional data on the ranging behaviour of Peregrines during the breeding season, during passage and in their wintering areas. This is obtained using GPS satellite transmitters, which provide us with very accurate location data. Furthermore, our data from the satellite transmitters is being used to estimate survival rates of Peregrines. By fitting satellite transmitters to adults (both males and females) and juveniles the survival rate of different sexes and age classes can be compared. The ability to identify migration routes and determine the timing of migration can be used to maximise the likelihood of survival for falconry birds released under schemes such as the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme.

Genetic Analysis

Environmental Contamination

The Peregrine is a useful indicator of environmental pollutants and migratory subspecies can accumulate pollutants in their breeding areas, on passage and in their wintering areas. There has been some research on contaminant levels in calidus Peregrines breeding on the Kola Peninsula, which apparently migrate mainly through Europe to winter in the Mediterranean region. The level of contaminants found in other breeding areas of calidus have not been investigated, but a combined study to determine migration routes and pollutant loads would highlight potential threats to these populations. By collecting unhatched eggs we are attempting to obtain current data of contaminant levels in calidus Peregrines across their Eurasian breeding range, which, in combination with the migration data, may be useful for indentifying potential conservation issues.

Migration & climate change

The phenomenon of climate change and its impact on migratory species has only recently begun to be studied. There are no specific studies on Peregrines but there is some evidence that climate change is altering migratory behaviour of another arctic migratory species, the Siberian Crane. It has been found, through satellite tracking, that the some cranes do not migrate all the way to the Indian subcontinent as they did in the past but instead occupy more northerly wintering grounds in Central Asia. It is possible that climate change could influence the timing of migration, the route taken, the usage of stopover sites and the total distance travelled. Perceived differences in the size, colouration and number of migratory Peregrines reaching the Arabian Peninsula in recent years could be as a result of changes in migratory behaviour. Only an extensive satellite tracking study would be able to shed some light on the current migratory behaviour of calidus Peregrines.

Knowledge of the timing and routes of migration for calidus Peregrines could be used to determine more suitable release sites and dates for ex-falconry birds in schemes like the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme. If in the future, as a result of this research project, it becomes possible using DNA markers to determine the natal origin of a wild-caught calidus Peregrine that has been used for falconry in the Arabian Peninsula, then an appropriate release site could be selected from the migration pathways indentified for the specific breeding area. 

Our research on calidus Peregrines meets the obligations of the MoU on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (i.e., Action Plan Activity 5: Monitor bird of prey populations, carry out conservation research and take appropriate remedial measures).