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Tuesday, 16 August 2005 23:12 |
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It
eats a variety of small animals, mainly lizards. Pairs of birds
defend a territory, keeping other kestrels out. They do not
construct a nest but lay their eggs on the ground among rocks, on
cliffs or on ledges of buildings such as church towers.
Traditionally, people have thought of this bird as unlucky and even
killed it. Now, it is protected by law. Nature Seychelles has recently conducted research on the population status of this bird
on Mahe and Praslin. Most of the surviving
Seychelles Kestrel live on Mahe.  | | Seychelles Kestrel and chicks © Jeff Watson |
The conservation goal is to secure a
stable breeding population of at least 500 pairs distributed among
four of the larger granitic islands or island groups to reduce the
threat of extinction, and allow reclassifying the species from
Vulnerable to Near threatened by 2012.
Facts
Scientific name: Falco araea
Conservation status: Globally Threatened, Vulnerable
Population in Seychelles 420-430 pairs
Distribution in Seychelles: Breeds on Mahe and near by small islands, Praslin (where very
rare), Silhouette, North Island and Felicite
Habitat: Woodland, scrub, cliffs, coconut plantations, urban and
cultivated areas from sea level to high altitudes
Nest: Nest on cliffs, in buildings and sometimes tops of coconut
palms or trees. Two to three eggs laid
Diet: Geckos and skinks, small birds and insects
Identification: The only resident small falcon. Grey head, red-brown back
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