Reintroduction of Saker Falcon
Hello and thank you for visiting my gofundme page to support the reintroduction of the Saker falcon in Bulgaria, this page has been created to support the Green Balkans efforts to protect a rare indigenous bird of prey, of which my dad (Darren) is the coordinator for the breeding programme.
The Bird
The Saker Falcon is the biggest falcon found in Bulgaria.
In the past, this used to be one of the most common bird species in the Ludogorie, Dobrudja, and Danube regions, as hundreds, or perhaps thousands of pairs used to breed in the country. Unfortunately, in the mid-20th C, as a result of changed land-use practices, cultivation of pastures, mass use of pesticides, and indiscriminate hunting, the Saker Falcon population declined to only a few dozens of pairs scattered throughout Bulgaria
The Project
The work provided by Green Balkans is critical to the success of this beautiful bird of prey; developing the strategy for reintroduction of the Saker falcon, preparing wildlife rehabilitation and the breeding centre located in Stara Zagora, and releasing back into the wild.
The project also studies present nesting sites, as well as territories providing suitable habitats for this species, through expeditions by Green Balkans volunteers and experts. The centre also provides information and education activities, working with children, the public and hunting/fishing societies.
more information can be found at; http://greenbalkans.org/en/Saker_falcon-p1801-y
http://www.armeec.bg/en/commitments/bringing-back-the-saker-falcon-to-bulgaria
The Goal
The project aims to develop and operate the reintroduction programme; identifying places for suitable reintroduction, breeding and pairing of species, and operating the centre which provides rehabilitation and breeding for many other species of bird and other animals.
The project is currently privately funded, but funding cuts have been announced, it is unlikely that the project can complete the programme without support. The funds raised will fund the programme for reintroduction of the Saker Falcon as well as the staff, facilities and care the centre required for both this programme and many other species.
About Darren
Darren is a "new Bulgarian." He was previously a citizen of England and now of Bulgaria. Darren and his wife Nikki contacted Green Balkans years ago for the first time, saving a wounded owl they had found near their home. Since then Darren has become one of the most active volunteers of the Rescue Centre. Dedicated and responsible and not afraid of hard work he has taken a worthy place in the team.
As part of the project "Reintroduction of the Saker Falcon in Bulgaria" he is responsible for the breeding pairs of Saker Falcons in the centre, and it largely depends on him as to whether they will fly again in the sky over Bulgaria.
His beautiful photographs are eye candy for all adopters whose diplomas they adorn. Keen on football in Bulgaria Darren has discovered his new love - birds and photography. In this respect the Wildlife Rescue Centre enables him to combine his two new passions and to find new friends and allies in the team at Green Balkans .
http://www.greenbalkans-wrbc.org/en/Darren_Weeks_Coordinator_for_the_breeding_program_Reintroduction_of_the_Saker_Falcon_in_Bulgaria-p268-y
