The distribution, population and breeding success of Saker Falcon Falco cherrug in Serbia, 2020–2022

This paper presents the results of research on the distribution, population and breeding success of Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) in Serbia, in the period of 2020–2022. Detailed monitoring was carried out in the territory of Vojvodina, northern lowland part of Serbia, which included primarily survey of all routes of high-voltage transmission lines (2,600 km in length). A total of 586 georeferenced data were collected, of which 318 related to main reproductive period during March–June. Current breeding range of Saker Falcon in Serbia (Vojvodina) covers a relatively compact territory. Breeding range in 2022 covered cca. 14,500 km², situated in Vojvodina. The number of territories occupied by pairs or adult single birds increased from 44 in 2020 to 54 in 2022. In 2020, there were 21 successful pairs, in 2021, this number increased to 26, while in 2022 reached 30. Most of the successful breeding pairs occupied artificial nests installed on pylons of high voltage transmission power lines (75 metal boxes and 99 wooden platforms). Suitable habitats for reproduction of Saker Falcon in Vojvodina covers area of cca. 16,000 km², thus giving estimation of a total capacity of Vojvodina for Saker Falcon on cca. 84 breeding pairs.