Juveniles dispersal and population exchange evidence in the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) breeding in Saudi Arabia

Gene flow among breeding populations is critical for the long-term viability of migratory species, particularly in raptors facing habitat fragmentation and environmental pressures. The Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor), a long-distance migrant breeding on Red Sea islands and wintering in Madagascar, remains poorly studied in terms of juvenile dispersal and population connectivity. Here, we report the first documented case of a juvenile Sooty Falcon ringed in the Al Wajh Bank (Saudi Arabia) in 2022 and resighted as a breeding sub-adult 249 km away at Sila Island in NEOM in 2024. This finding provides direct evidence of natal dispersal between distant breeding populations. Such movement suggests that juveniles may explore alternative breeding areas after returning from their first migration, potentially enhancing genetic flow and resilience. Given the vulnerability of many nesting islands to anthropogenic threats, dispersal may allow recolonization of safer habitats and buffer against local extinctions. Our results underline the importance of long-term ringing and coordinated monitoring to better understand the species’ demography and inform regional conservation strategies. This study highlights the role of juvenile dispersal in maintaining connectivity among fragmented populations of a regionally vulnerable raptor.