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THE CITY OF FALCONS

 

The lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) is a colonial bird of prey typically found in the dryland habitats of the Mediterranean basin. In recent decades, this species has experienced a significant population decline due to rising temperatures, which have caused premature chick mortality, and reduced prey availability. In Italy, these issues are observed both in  northern rural areas and in Matera, a historic city in southern Italy that hosts the country’s largest colony.

 

In Matera, increasing urban temperatures driven by climate change are severely impacting chick survival, with only about half of the chicks reaching fledging in recent years. This situation is further compounded by ongoing building renovations, which reduce the availability of suitable nesting cavities and result in the loss of historically established breeding pairs.

 

Together, these factors pose a real risk that Matera may no longer serve as a stronghold for the species, a status it has maintained for decades. To address these challenges, the municipality, in collaboration with several universities, European conservation projects, and the San Giuliano Wildlife Rescue Centre, is researching the species and its population dynamics, providing ongoing rescue services for injured birds, and installing heat-insulating nest boxes on city rooftops to support breeding success.

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