Muscat – A specialised team from Environment Authority (EA) has completed the second phase of the 2025 sooty falcon survey on islands in Muscat and South Batinah, as part of a national programme to protect migratory birds and preserve ecological balance.

The fieldwork involved documenting nesting sites, monitoring eggs and chicks, and recording precise geographical coordinates using advanced technology. The team also conducted visual and audio documentation in line with a detailed work plan.

To ensure full coverage of the protected islands, the team was divided into two groups working under difficult terrain and strict safety protocols during sea transit and while scaling the islands. High-resolution cameras, binoculars, GPS devices and camera traps were deployed to gather accurate data.

The effort led to the discovery of new nests, eggs and chicks in previously undocumented sites, adding significantly to the project’s findings. Officials described the results as a major step forward for the survey.

The third and final phase, scheduled for September, will involve fitting falcons with identification rings and tracking devices to study movement and migration patterns. The data will support scientific research and guide conservation strategies to ensure the long-term survival of the species.

An EA research team recorded 32 sooty falcons in 2024, compared to 21 in 2023. The surveys were conducted on islands in Muscat and South Batinah in two phases – from August 13 to 20 and September 22 to October 3, 2024.

The sooty falcon (Falco concolor) is classified as ‘near threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to declining global populations. Medium-sized and agile, the bird breeds in the Middle East and northeastern Africa, migrating to the southeastern coast of Africa and Madagascar during winter.