Bulgarian ornithologists saved a rare Falcon from Slovakia

Slovak Saker Falcon called Slávka, which was marked with a satellite transmitter (PTT) in June 2011, almost perished in central Bulgaria. Thanks to the intervention of local ornithologists, Slávka was saved and after professional help released back to the wild.

Slávka was found by the members of Green Balkans Federation in late December on the field, with its legs and wings entangled in a nylon string. "According to information from Bulgarian colleagues, Slávka had no external injuries, but she was very weak. Therefore she was placed in a rescue centre, where she got vitamins, anti-parasites and of course food. After providing this "first aid" she was released back to the wild. According to recent data from the transmitter we suppose she is okay. We are very grateful to Bulgarian colleagues for saving her. "- informs Lucia Deutschová from Raptor Protection of Slovakia (RPS).

Satellite telemetry is an important method of monitoring that brings important results. Slávka is one of four Saker females, which were marked with PTT the last year within an international project for the conservation of the species, involving four countries - Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania. "Based on data from the transmitter Slávka is also being monitored by experts from BSPB / BirdLife Bulgaria, which is also a project partner, sending us regular information about the bird." - says Deutschová.

The project was supported by the European Commission and besides RPS Západoslovenská energetika, a.s. is a partner in Slovakia. "The other three falcons were either electrocuted or the reason of loss of signal from PTT is unknown. Saker female called Eonka became the most popular among them. Local ornithologists in Germany and France were helping us with her monitoring during her presence in the countries. They were regularly sending us valuable data not only about Eonka itself, but also about the habitat she was staying in. Unfortunately, in November the PTT stopped working. "- adds Deutschová.

Saker is an endangered bird of prey in most of area of distribution. There are only about 40 nesting pairs recorded in Slovakia and for example in Bulgaria nesting of the species was not proved for several years so far.