Tatarstan presented a pilot project of the Ministry of Ecology of the Republic of Tatarstan on the reintroduction of the Saker falcon within the framework of the Eastern Economic Forum
On the opening day of the Eastern Economic Forum, the first International Forum "Falcon Day" was held in Vladivostok, where the Tatarstan project for the reintroduction of the Saker falcon was presented. Alexander Shadrikov, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Tatarstan, made a presentation of the project during the session devoted to effective methods of restoring natural populations. He said that this species of falcon, which was found until the 70s of the last century in vast territories, is now listed in the Red Books of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan. "On the territory of the Volga-Ural region, the current number of this species is estimated at 244 - 336 pairs. The Saker falcon has not been found in Tatarstan for more than 50 years, although it has lived in our region for many centuries. The last time nesting on the Volga was documented in 1974 on the territory of the Saralinsky section of the Volga-Kama Reserve. Therefore, the main goal of our pilot project is an attempt to return the Red Book bird to its native habitats in Tatarstan. We held serious discussions, studied the positive experience of Russian rehabilitation centers, taking the work of the Holzan Center as a basis," Alexander Shadrikov said.
Let us recall that the project was implemented by the Anatoly Shchepovskikh Regional Public Fund for Environmental Protection on the grant of the SIBUR Formula of Good Deeds competition.
A site in the Kamsko-Ustinsky district of Tatarstan was selected for the implementation of the project. The preparatory part of the project included the recruitment of volunteers, the construction of artificial nests (hacks), the delivery of falcons and the installation of bird protection devices on power lines. A video monitoring system was installed in each hack.
Bird watching lasted two months. The whole process took place under the close attention of the scientific community, as a result, 90% of birds are prepared for independent life in the wild, which is certainly a high level.
"The implementation of the pilot project created the basis for the revival of the Volga-Kama Saker falcon population in the Republic of Tatarstan, allowed to accumulate experience for subsequent similar projects. It is also important to note that this project clearly demonstrates an example of a successful dialogue between government, business, science and society. It is this kind of integration, where there is a scientific approach, business involvement in environmental projects, active participation of residents in solving environmental issues, contributes to the implementation of key areas of the national project "Ecology"," Shadrikov reported.
The project was highly appreciated by the residents. According to the results of the popular vote, he entered the top three leaders of the national award "Crystal Globe".
"This year, for the first time in Russia, the Falcon Day is celebrated at the state level. This decision was made by the Government of the Russian Federation, and it is very significant. Tatarstan has always been home to many unique birds of prey, which are now, unfortunately, rare and endangered. It is important to revive the populations of these beautiful birds and return them to their habitual habitats," said the head of the Tatarstan Nature protection Agency.
The session also discussed the practice of different countries on the conservation and restoration of populations of gyrfalcon, peregrine falcon, saker falcon and other issues. Alexander Shadrikov presented honorary mention of the Head of Tatarstan R. N. Minnikhanov to the Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic Melis Turgunbayev and Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic Kubat Kaseyinov for fruitful cooperation with the Republic of Tatarstan and contribution to the implementation of joint projects.
Let us recall that the International Forum "Falcon Day" is intended to become an international expert platform for a comprehensive dialogue and attracting the attention of government officials, experts and the scientific community to the issues of conservation, protection and multiplication of the population of predatory and rare bird species, including birds of the falcon family. Since 2023, the Forum has been held in Russia annually.