Order: Falconiformes
Family: Falconidae

Status: Category II (EN). Endangered species.
The subspecies F. p. babylonicus Sclater, 1861 inhabits Turkmenistan. Conservation of nesting and migrating individuals is crucial for the entire species’ range.

Distribution: Central and Western Kopetdag, Badkhyz, Koytendag, lower Sumbar River . Outside Turkmenistan – Eastern Mediterranean, Asia Minor, Iraq, North Africa .

Habitat: Foothills, deserted rocky and clay slopes of mid-altitude mountains [1,2].

Population and trends: Several dozen pairs nested in the 1950s; about 20 in the 1980s; 10–12 in the 1990s . In 2016, one pair recorded in Bazardepe (Koytendag); in 2018, one bird noted in juniper forests . Currently, about 20 pairs nest in Kopetdag, Badkhyz, and Koytendag .

Biology: Nests and winters locally; some are migratory . Monogamous. Nests built in rock niches and ledges, used for several years. Clutch size 2–3 eggs, laid from late February to early May . Usually 2 nestlings per brood, remaining in the nest 30–35 days. Diet consists mainly of birds such as sandgrouse, pigeons, partridges, swifts, bee-eaters, jackdaws, starlings, passerines, etc. .

Breeding in captivity: Some kept by members of the National Society of Falconers of Turkmenistan.

Conservation measures: Listed in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan since 1985 and in CITES Appendix I. Protected in Koytendag, Badkhyz, Kopetdag, and Syunt-Hasardag State Nature Reserves.

Recommended actions: Promote and strengthen protection of nesting sites.

Research suggestions: Monitor wild populations; develop captive breeding methods.

Authors: I. Sapannuradov, S. Annamuhammedov