Scientific name

Falco peregrinus

Locally known as

Shaheen

IUCN status

Least Concern

Description

Our satellite tracking of migratory Peregrine Falcons from their breeding grounds across Arctic Russia revealed the connections between breeding and wintering regions, providing information on migration pathways, migratory behaviour and the diversity of habitats utilised during winter. Overseen by EAD and implemented through our award-winning Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme undertakes ongoing ambitious research to better understand the migratory patterns and breeding habits of Peregrine Falcons. Honouring Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, the programme has released over 1,900 falcons into their distribution range across central Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Iran and Kyrgyzstan, and that number increases every year.

Key threats

Hunting, habitat destruction and poisoning.

Where they're found today

Most of the world’s continents, except in rainforest areas, extremely high altitudes and polar regions.

Abu Dhabi’s efforts

The safi is an over-exploited species in the UAE.In recognition of this, EAD with its partner the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, has implemented management measures to enable the species to return to sustainable levels. These include the gargoor ban, a ban on fishing during spawning season and a minimum size for catch.

Fun facts

  1. Peregrine falcons will frequently return to the same nesting site every year.
  2. With their large eyes, these birds can spot prey from a height of approximately 300 metres.
  3. The Peregrine Falcon is known for its speed, which reaches more than 320 km/h, making it the fastest bird in the world and the fastest member of the animal kingdom!
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