The CMS Global Action Plan for the Saker Falcon

Promoting conservation and combating illegal trade through

engagement of stakeholders.

A Lombard, J Sielicki, R Kenward.

The Saker Falcon – Falco cherrugGlobal efforts to combat illegal trade•An endangered and high value species•A markedly different approach has been taken•CMS (Convention on Migratory Species) plan based on sustainable use, trust building and engagement.

This species: •Is of cultural importance to many indigenous people across its range•Has been sustainably used for falconry for 4000 years•Is utilized by falconers across it’s extensive range

The significance of the species extends beyond falconers to communities

There is a real or potential source of income to trappers of live birds for falconry and others

•Significant and recent population decline.•Driven, in part, by illegal trade of this high value species •throughout the Saker range for markets in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula which is not sustainable.•Involves the capture of mature breeding birds along with immature birds•Is selective of larger female birds•High mortality related to smuggling

•Proposal to up-list the Saker Falcon to CMS Annex I at Convention on Migratory Species in 2011•Due to concerns over illegal trade – but:•Greater enforcement and legislation would not halt the population decline•Harvesters and end-users would be forced underground.•Deny remuneration to communities who “own” the Saker as well as loss of permit revenue.•Prevent sustainable harvesting.

The Saker Global Action Plan •was accepted at CMS CoP 11 in Ecuador in 2014•Falconers and sustainable use for falconry is at the heart of the plan.•Flagship projects to boost populations through artificial nests and mitigation of powerlines•One project aims to engage and build trust among falconers and trappers•Brings together disparate parties and integrates falconers into the hunt for a solution

Portal (portail internet) to Enhance Trust

•The IAF will fund and manage the first of the Flagship projects with CMS.•An internet portal which will engage trappers and users as well as the falcon hospitals.•Utilize popular smart phone technology•Available only in regional languages.

This approach supports the potential for sustainable use, for example:•Mongolian artificial nest project with 5000 artificial nests, over 500 occupied by Sakers produced 2500 young in the 2014 season•Benefits accrue to local communities with consequent conservation incentives

This collaborative approach has brought to light other significant causes for the decline – principally electrocution.

This model of collaborative measures that recognise the potential for sustainable use and engage user communities in addressing wildlife crime offers a powerful and possibly unique model for addressing illegal transnational trade of iconic and high value species.

Thank You