Field protocol for the population monitoring of Saker Falcons (Falco cherrug) in Hungary

The Saker Falcon population in Europe is divided into two main blocks: the Central European and Eastern European populations. Although these groups are somewhat connected, they do not form a single reproductive population. The Eastern European population is highly fragmented and spreads across a vast area, posing significant challenges for monitoring due to geographical and political barriers. In contrast, the Central European population is more compact but extends across seven countries, making cross-border coordination essential. Despite ongoing monitoring programmes in the countries in question, there is a lack of harmonisation in the methods and terminology used, complicating efforts to collect, compare and interpret data effectively on European level. This article draws on decades of experience from Hungary, where a comprehensive monitoring protocol for the Saker Falcon has been developed and refined over the years. Based on this experience, the authors propose common standards covering various aspects of monitoring, including field visits, ringing, satellite tracking, sampling, health and safety, and documentation. These standards are not intended to replace existing methodologies but serve as a base for harmonised Saker Falcon monitoring across Europe. Standardization is critical to ensure that data from different countries are compatible and continuous, enabling more accurate assessments of the species’ conservation status and more effective planning of conservation measures at a European level. The authors emphasize that their goal is not to prescribe the only effective methods but to highlight the need for agreed-upon terminology and harmonised monitoring methods. This article aims to initiate a discussion among Saker Falcon experts across Europe, encouraging collaboration to develop consistent and compatible methodologies that will enhance coordinated conservation efforts for this endangered species.