Lesser kestrel

Lesser kestrel

Scientific name: Falco naumanni
Situation In the wild: Volunarable
Situation in Israel: Vounarable
Jerusalem Zoo: Exhibit and breeding group
Lesser kestrels are Found in various habitats – from open to wooded areas. Nests in Southern Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle-East and Central Asia. It winters in Africa, mainly in Sub-Saharan regions. In Israel and around the world, populations have been declining due to diminishing nesting sites, habitat destruction and use of pesticides. Therefore, the species has adapted to human environments, nests in old buildings and hunts in city parks. However, demolition of old buildings and the growth of cities on account of green areas have been harming the species. This is a very gregarious species, and nesting colonies may number up to 100 pairs and roosting colonies may number thousands of individuals. These birds of prey feed on insects and small vertebrates. Currently, the species is listed as Vulnerable by the Israeli and global Red List of Endangered Species. To help in the protection of the species the Jerusalem Zoo joined other organizations such as the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and the Society for Protection of Nature in Israel and other zoos and academic institutions in Israel. As part of its activities the Zoo has financed studies on the breeding biology of lesser kestrels and has incubated many lesser kestrel eggs in its National Center for Artificial Incubation of Raptor Eggs. The chicks are hand-reared and after they fledge they are released to the wild. Furthermore, every year the Zoo treats many injured kestrels or premature fledglings and after these are rehabilitated they are released back to the wild. In this exhibit we keep a breeding group and the offspring will be released to the wild in Jerusalem and around Israel. The exhibit was designed as a typical house façade in the Morasha neighborhood, a previous major area for Lesser kestrels nesting in Jerusalem. With the expansion of the city and the growing distance to hunting areas, the Kestrels have been disappearing from the neighborhoods.
 

Photo: Dorli