Critically endangered peregrine falcon starts to thrive in Jeseníky Mountains
The population of the critically endangered peregrine falcon has been thriving in the Jeseníky Mountains in recent years. More than twenty pairs of these birds live in the highest peaks of the Moravian mountains in southern Czechia. This year they have produced 32 chicks, the third highest number since 2000.
The peregrine falcon's return to the Jeseníky Mountains is a significant conservation success story. Beginning in 2001, this raptor species, which had been absent from the area for many years, began to reappear. The population has steadily grown since then, with the support of human intervention. Conservation efforts include monitoring and protecting nesting sites, which have been crucial in facilitating the falcon's comeback.
Petr Šaj from the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic on why Jeseníky Mountains have become a good nesting ground:
“Yes, it's a great view, that's what these birds like. We don't see him (the falcon) at the moment, but it's a nice day, so the birds can circle quite high.
“However, it is a historical nesting site for this species. It's where conservation interest meets the nesting of a critically endangered species. And it's also a rock used by rock climbers."
According to Mr. Šaj, the falcons in the Moravian mountain range have produced an extraordinary number of young this year.
"This year was probably the third most successful in the 24-year history of this species nesting in the Jeseníky Mountains. Thirty-two chicks were raised, which I think is a very good number."
However, four adult falcons also died last year. Some of them were killed by predators.
"It depends on the location. Here in Jeseníky, we have documented repeated destruction of nesting at any stage, whether it's with eggs, as young chicks, or even as older chicks. In our conditions, the most common natural predator is the marten, either the beech marten or the European pine marten."
Conservationists are trying to help the rare birds of prey. According to Pavel Jurka from the Agency for Nature and Landscape Protection, there are not many negative influences from humans.
"The sites are not so easily accessible, they are not visited by the general public. And if there is already a period when the visitor traffic is stronger, we will put signs on the site explaining that there is a falcon nesting site, that it is not advisable to enter it and we will put tape on it."
According to Mr. Šaj, the number of falcon pairs in the Jeseníky Mountains may even slightly increase in the coming years.
"We can expect that the number of 22 to 23 pairs may not be final. But I don't think it will grow in any significant way."
Within two decades, the falcons have reoccupied twenty nesting sites, indicating a rapid and successful recovery. This recovery has been systematically documented annually, allowing conservationists to track the population's growth and make necessary adjustments to ensure the species' continued prosperity in the Jeseníky Mountains.
