Saker Falcons of Mongolia

Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) is one of the largest falcons. It is known that the Mongols had been using two species of falcons (Saker Falcon and Gyrfalcon) for hunting for centuries and those were respected as the symbol of power and bravery. “This is the second monography about a bird species, has ever written in Mongolia” describes Tseveenmyadag, one of the leading ornithologists in Mongolia.

In this book, the author S. Gombobaatar, writes detailed information about classification, morphology, ecology, conservation of this internationally and regionally threatened species using his last 20 years of works dedicated to the species. For many years Sakers have been exported to the Middle East for falconry, but in 2013 The Mongolian Government made the decision to ban the trade for 3 years. Electrocution on power lines and poisoning in their prey are now the main threats to this species in Mongolia. Sakers occur in habitats with natural cliffs or power line poles, especially in areas where Brandt’s Voles and Mongolian Gerbils are found in high density. They also prey on other small rodents such as ground squirrels as well as small to mid-sized birds. While adult sakers winter in Mongolia, the young birds migrate to north-western China. This raptor is widely distributed throughout the steppe zones and it was declared as the National Bird of Pride of Mongolia by the Government in 2012.

Author: S. Gombobaatar

Editor: Sh. Boldbaatar

Introduction by: N. Tseveenmyadag

Photographs and illustrations by S. Gombobaatar and B. Gantulga

Language: Mongolian

Year published: 2013

Size, Pages, and Cover type: 25x17.5 cm; 246 pp.; Hardcover

Price: 20 USD