Abstract:

The Saker Falcon is a falconid raptor species with Palearctic distribution. It has ne­ver been a common bird in Hungary, now there are cc. 220–230 nesting pairs within the count­ry borders. Currently total world population is cc. 19 000–34 000 individuals. Its taxonomic status is complica­ted. Two subspecies are distinguished (Falco c. cherrug and Falco c. milvipes); however, molecular data does not support this split. Phylogeny of the species is also not clarified, similarly to closely related raptors. There are many factors threatening the population of the Saker. One of these factors is the occurrence of the hybrid falcons. By molecular investigations more data can be gained, that could be useful in practical conservation, too.