The first is direct from falconers in the Middle East who want wild birds for racing. The female offspring are infertile, which is why there is high demand for female peregrine falcons in breeding facilities. DNA techniques – which rely on volunteers sending in hundreds of samples from wild birds – prove that some of these birds are wild caught. There were 27 physical inspections of facilities breeding peregrine falcons in 2023 and 2024, according to FoI data – a significant increase from previous years. “Locally we’re seeing a decline in peregrine falcons,” says George Smith, who monitors 60 nests over an area of south-east Scotland.

Source: The Guardian January 05, 2026 13:23 UTC