Wind speed and cliff exposure significantly impact the breeding success of Barbary falcons in Saudi Arabia, a new field study reveals. Researchers from the National Center for Falcons and the National Center for Wildlife published their findings this September in the international scientific journal Life. This marks the center’s first peer-reviewed study to appear in a journal ranked in the first quartile by the Journal Citation Reports, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Monif Al-Rashidi of the University of Ha’il and the National Centre for Falcons, alongside Mohammed Shobrak of the National Centre for Wildlife, led the research. They monitored 59 Barbary falcon breeding sites across northwestern and southwestern Saudi Arabia during the 2026 breeding season, which was this year. The team examined various environmental variables and nesting-site characteristics. These included wind speed, rainfall, temperature, and the orientation of cliff faces relative to prevailing winds.
Environmental Factors and Productivity
The study found that the monitored sites produced an average of 1.97 chicks each. Statistical analysis provided clear correlations. A 0.678 metre-per-second increase in average seasonal wind speed was associated with an expected 19.5 percent decline in chick productivity. Furthermore, greater exposure of cliff faces to prevailing winds correlated with an expected productivity decline of 18.7 percent.
These findings offer crucial data for authorities. They can now better assess suitable locations for releasing falcons back into the wild. The research also promises to improve existing conservation programs. Researchers recommended continued monitoring over several breeding seasons. They also called for more detailed field measurements to strengthen the assessment of release sites, SPA noted.
Conservation and Security Initiatives
This research is part of the center’s broader efforts. It aims to support specialized scientific studies and expand knowledge of falcons and their habitats. Applying these research findings to release and conservation programs remains a key objective. In May 2026, this year, the National Center for Falcons conducted a field visit to inspect and document Barbary falcon nesting sites in the Asir region. This operation was carried out in cooperation with the National Center for Wildlife and the Special Forces for Environmental Security. The visit formed part of the center’s Hadad initiative. This program was launched five years ago, in 2021, to protect endangered falcons, restore them to their natural habitats, and promote sustainable falconry practices.
The Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition is scheduled for this year. It will be held from Oct. 1 to 10 in Malham, north of Riyadh.