History

The knowledge about Saker Falcons in Eastern Europe and on the Balkans in particular was limited and the population size estimation was based on low quality data (as it was outlined in the European Saker Falcon Action Plan - Nagy & Demeter, 2006). The protection of the species in the region therefore required extra efforts and people involved in research and conservation activities. The Central Laboratory of General Ecology – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences initiated a project Saker Falcon in Southeast Europe – Research and Conservation. The project was financially supported by International Wildlife Consultants (UK) Ltd. on behalf of Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). Vital part of this project was an international Saker Falcon workshop held in Sofia, Bulgaria in February 2006. The SESN was spontaneously created during this meeting and begun its work with field surveys later in 2006 and the following years.

Objectives

To bring together scientists and wildlife conservationists interested in Saker Falcon research and conservation in Southeast Europe;
To implement surveys for better understanding of Saker Falcon population status and ecology;
To identify and prioritize the factors caused species decline;
To implement adequate conservation measures and suitable management techniques.