Threatened species of Falco punctatus

The primary cause of the decline of Falco punctatus is the loss of most of the native forest, compounded by the effects of organochloride pesticides applied widely in the 1960s. Introduced animals competing for nest sites and food has also had an effect, while the small population increases the risk factor.

Found in south-west Mauritius the Mauritius falcon's habitat is rocky forests with adjacent scrubby areas. Common in the mid 19th century wherever native forest remained, numbers had fallen to four birds in the wild and two in captivity by 1974. Release of captive-bred birds and supplementary feeding led to a remarkable recovery, with 229 to 286 birds in 1994, including 56 to 68 pairs. One of relatively few success stories among the numerous attempts to recover highly threatened species.

Falco punctatus is listed by the IUCN as "Endangered". CITES lists the species as "Appendix 1".