Red footed falcons feedback

The specific goals we described in our proposal were:
1. To characterize the breeding biology (e.g., phenology, reproductive success and output) of red-footed falcons in north-central Kazakhstan.
2. To identify ecological correlates (e.g., environmental variation [habitat, food, weather] social setting [isolated or colonial breeding] and human impacts on landscapes) of reproductive output of red-footed falcons in north-central Kazakhstan.
3. To identify routes of migration and wintering grounds of red-footed falcons that breed in north-central Kazakhstan.
4. To build existing collaborations with Kazakhstani scientists and with the north Kazakhstan field station in Karamendi, Kazakhstan.
Project results
Funding ($7,763.03 USD) from the National Birds of Prey Trust allowed us to complete nearly all aspects of this project.

With regard to the goals above:
1. We have been able to make significant strides in characterizing breeding biology of red-footed falcons in north-central Kazakhstan. In 2011 we monitored 36 active nests of red-footed falcons, in a variety of location types. At each site we recorded breeding phenology, reproductive success and reproductive output. As the summer breeding season is just ending, we are still in the process of processing and analyzing the data we have collected. A table showing greater results of this monitoring will be provided in the final report we provide to NBPT.

2. Because goal #1 has only been initiated, we have not been able to effectively analyze ecological correlates of red footed falcon reproductive success. This is still on the agenda and by the next report, we hope to present preliminary results of this analysis.
3. We have made important progress towards our third goal, to identify migration routes and wintering grounds of red-footed falcons that breed in north-central Kazakhstan. In particular, we leveraged NBPT funding such that Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and Natural Research, LTD together provided five geolocators for tracking migration of red-footed falcons. In summer 2011 we captured four female and one male RFF and outfitted them with these geolocators. In summer 2012 we aim to return to these nest sites and trap these same birds when they return to their nests. We will then download data from the geolocators and identify where they have spent the winter and how they travelled to and from that site.
4. We have also been effective at building collaborations with Kazakhstani scientists and the local field station. In particular, I have started the process of building a relationship between West Virginia University and the Kostanay State Pedagogical Institute. This relationship will allow us to facilitate exchange of students and possibly faculty between WVU and KPGI. Since KPGI owns the field station, this directly impacts our ability to use this facility.

Outcomes of NBPT Funding
National Birds of Prey Trust funding enabled us to produce the following measurable outcomes:
1. Continue ongoing field raptor monitoring at the Naurzum Zapovednik, with a special focus on red-footed falcons.
2. Collect data and develop a conceptual framework for two papers to be published in peer-reviewed journals. Tentative titles of these papers are:
a. “Breeding ecology of the globally near threatened red footed falcon Falco vespertinus in the core of its geographic range”
b. “Pre-emptive conservation for a fast declining species: early intervention vs late intervention”
3. Building the framework for tracking migration of red-footed falcons with geolocators. Once the birds we tracked have been recaptured and data downloaded, we expect that those who provided the geolocators earlier will provide additional funding to purchase still more geolocators.
4. Establishment of a pending relationship between WVU and KPGI, that will form the framework for future research and conservation science in northern Kazakhstan.