Georgiev, DilianPetrov, RuskoAndonova, YanaKlisurov, IvayloAngelov, IvayloStamenov, AntonGradinarov, DimitarArkumarev, Volen2025-12-162025-12-162025-12-111313-9940https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/839This study examines the diet of the reintroduced Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) population in Bulgaria. By combining food-remain analysis, visual observations, and camera-trap monitoring, we documented 144 prey items taken by Saker Falcons during the 2020, 2024, and 2025 breeding seasons. The analysis revealed a pronounced dietary specialization: the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) was the overwhelmingly dominant prey, representing 80.56% of all identified occurrences (N=144). Other rodent species accounted for 8.3% of the food items and birds represented 10.42% of the food items. The pronounced dependence on S. citellus underscores its essential role in the diet of the falcons. Consequently, conservation efforts should prioritize the protection and restoration of pasture systems, and the recovery of declining ground squirrel populations.enreintroductionbirdsdietground squirrelpasturesArticle