About this species
The Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) is a large, powerful falcon of open steppes and semi-deserts, ranging from eastern Europe across the Eurasian steppes to Mongolia and China. It preys on ground squirrels, pikas, and medium-sized birds, often hunting in long, low, fast flights.
Sakers are among the most prized species in traditional Middle Eastern falconry, and illegal trapping on migration routes has driven significant declines. Power-line electrocution is a second major threat, particularly in Mongolia and Central Asia.
The species is the subject of the CMS Saker Falcon Global Action Plan (SakerGAP), coordinating work across range states to reduce mortality and monitor populations.