Influence of prey availability on the movement pattern of breeding saker falcons (Falco cherrug) in Mongolia

Abstract

As an apex predator in arid steppe, saker falcon plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Understanding their movement patterns concerning conspecific competition and prey availability is important for their conservation. We aim to understand how movement pattern of breeding saker falcons relates to prey availability. Twelve adult sakers were tracked during the breeding seasons, using satellite transmitters. Throughout the breeding season, sakers exhibited territorial behaviour, with minimal overlap in range use among neighbouring conspecifics. Males occupied larger areas (mean = 2,397 ha, median = 1,221 ha), compared to females (mean = 1,241 ha, median = 554 ha), and it remained consistent throughout breeding season. Female home range size increased notably during late nestling stage and post-fledging dependence periods, indicating release from brooding constraints. Notably, we found a negative relationship between male home range size and prey availability. In high rodent density areas, males occupied smaller areas (mean = 1,135 ha, median = 1,034 ha), contrasting with low rodent density areas (mean = 6,815 ha, median = 6,516 ha). However, no significant relationship was observed between female home range size and prey availability. We also noted instances of nest abandonment and early dispersal behaviour in some females, potentially influenced by a handicapping effect of tagging. Our findings offer valuable insight into how prey availability shapes saker falcon space use and defines their spatial requirements for successful breeding. This knowledge is crucial for the conservation and management of globally endangered saker falcons, informing targeted habitat protection and resource management strategies.