Building momentum for sooty falcon conservation: International workshop for the implementation of the Sooty Falcon ISSAP

Photo: Sooty falcon © Meidad Goren

On 5 February 2026, the Coordinating Unit of the Raptors MOU brought together range States and international experts for an online workshop “Sooty Falcon International Single Species Action Plan Workshop: Building Support toward Active Conservation.” 

With the objective to turn the Action Plan into concrete, coordinated action on the ground by identify priorities, the meeting gathered representatives from breeding, stopover and wintering countries, as well as experts from research institutions and conservation organisations.

Participants received updates on progress in key range States, including national conservation efforts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, new satellite tracking results from Madagascar confirming important wintering and breeding areas, and an overview of global monitoring priorities. The discussions highlighted encouraging advances in research and protection in some countries, while also underlining persistent knowledge gaps and emerging threats along the migration route.

Priorities in breeding countries

Discussions on breeding grounds focused strongly on capacity building. Many countries face limited technical resources and shortages of trained field teams. Improving data collection and expanding monitoring were identified as immediate priorities to better understand population trends, threats, and guide conservation measures.

In relation to improving knowledge, participants also stressed the importance of better data sharing and regional cooperation for data accessibility. 

Finally, while commitment from countries is strong, sustainable funding remains a shared challenge.

Tackling threats along migration and in wintering areas

In non-breeding countries, attention centered on threats that remain insufficiently understood. Pesticide use, particularly linked to locust and red-billed quelea control, emerged as a potential major concern requiring urgent research. Participants also highlighted the need to better document risks from infrastructure such as power lines and wind farms along migration routes and illegal take.

Improved monitoring of key stopover sites and winter roosts, especially in Madagascar, was identified as a priority. Tailored approaches will be needed to address country-specific challenges, including limited capacity, remoteness and enforcement constraints.

Mobilising support for implementation

Ensuring sustainable funding and strong conservation leadership across the flyway was the focus of the third discussion group. While countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have made notable progress in research and monitoring, additional financial support is needed, particularly in poorly monitored breeding range countries in Africa and non-breeding countries. Participants identified potential funding avenues and emphasised the importance of coordinated proposals and partnerships.

The workshop concluded with a shared message: the Sooty Falcon ISSAP provides a solid roadmap, but its success will depend on continued collaboration and effective coordination across the species’ entire range. By strengthening partnerships and maintaining momentum, range States and partners are taking important steps to secure the future of the sooty falcon across its flyway.

All workshop documents are available on the meeting webpage: link