Genetic diversity and relatedness amongst captive saker falcons (Falco cherrug) in the Green Balkans’ Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre in Bulgaria

The globally endangered saker falcon ( Falco cherrug ) is currently being re-introduced in Bulgaria, where the falcons are bred captivity and released through hacking method. We relied on birds’ pedigree when forming breeding pairs from 2011. In 2021-2022, we had opportunity to evaluate our captive population via DNA tests. performed first genetic assessment of sakers WRBC a genome evaluation most important founders (n = 12) and, 2022, executed microsatellite analysis 30 programme. compared results with known history falcons. tests helped assign relatedness some birds missing or incomplete pedigrees, indicating test can complement that information lead better management group. One pair was separated as precaution it indicated by one two more closely related than expected. research could be beneficial other raptor programmes dealing similar group composition.