On August 5, representatives from the Khakassky State Nature Biosphere Reserve visited the laboratory of the Altai State University’s rare bird nursery, "Altai Falcon." The purpose of the visit was to study the conditions for keeping saker falcons, with a particular focus on the design of their flight enclosure.
The reserve’s delegation included Vladimir Kyrov, Deputy Director for General Affairs, and Victoria Shurkina, Deputy Director for Research. Currently, the reserve is constructing a flight enclosure for rare birds of prey, aiming to acclimatize them and subsequently release them into the wild within the Republic of Khakassia.
"We have sponsors who provide us with birds to prepare for their reintroduction into the reserve, taking into account the landscape and natural-climatic conditions of Khakassia. Following the recommendation of Denis Malikov, Director of Saylyugemsky National Park, we consulted specialists from Altai State University. They have extensive experience working with rare birds of prey from the Falconiformes family and conduct selection and breeding work with the unique 'Altai Falcon' morphotype. We observed the entire breeding cycle of the saker falcon — from incubating the eggs and raising the hatchlings, to placing them with foster parents for further care, and finally releasing them into the aviary. We were genuinely impressed by the organization of the nursery and the dedication with which the staff approach their work," said Vladimir Kyrov.
The aviary is the largest technological structure within the nursery. It has a diameter of 20 meters, outer fences standing 6 meters tall, and mesh dome supports reaching 12 meters, explained Sergey Snigirev, Doctor of Biological Sciences and Director of the Zoological Center at Altai State University:
"The aviary was designed and built in 2013 by a team of specialists led by ornithologist V.N. Plotnikov, using grant funding. It is the first facility of its kind in Russia. Over time, the aviary became dilapidated. Two years ago, it underwent reconstruction, during which the wooden support tower, which had collapsed under the weight of snow, was replaced with a metal structure. Additionally, the radial support cables and mesh dome ceiling were renewed. A 6-by-4-meter entrance vestibule was added to prevent birds from escaping and to store equipment. Feeding tables were replaced, and perches were designed and installed. The vast interior space allows birds to fly freely, which is impossible in the breeding aviaries. Within the aviary, the birds develop skills in free flight and maneuvering, while strengthening their chest and wing muscles. Young saker falcons are trained to hunt live prey here. We shared with colleagues from the Khakassky Reserve recommended design elements to maximize the efficiency of their preparation for release into the wild, minimize injury risk during their aviary stay, and protect the birds from predator attacks. In addition, Head of our laboratory, Lidiya Mendel, shared her expertise in keeping and breeding saker falcons. Though our guests were aware of our biotechnological achievements, experiencing them firsthand was a different matter altogether."
Sergey Snigirev noted that specialists from the nursery were invited to visit the Khakassky Nature Reserve to discuss prospects for cooperation in the reintroduction of saker falcons. At present, there are 14 bird-of-prey nurseries in Russia, each equipped with aviaries whose designs are based on the concept first implemented by ornithologists at Altai State University. Moreover, approximately 60% of the breeding stock in Russian nurseries consists of birds acquired at different times from Altai Falcon, the supplier of the most valuable morphotype known as the "Altai" falcon.
The nursery’s staff and specialists make great efforts to preserve the genetic purity of the population, carefully avoiding hybridization. Sergey Snigirev emphasized the significance of the rare bird nursery not only for their university but for Russian ornithology as a whole, as it remains one of only two university nurseries in the country – the other being at Voronezh University. He highlighted that the work of the nursery’s employees is both highly responsible and labor-intensive. In addition to technological challenges, they face numerous financial obstacles, both subjective and objective. Nevertheless, the nursery team is prepared to continue their work, determined to overcome these difficulties.