Der Autor beleuchtet die Biologie des Lannerfalken in zehn Hauptkapiteln, zu Namen und Phylogenie, Morpho- und Phy- siologie, Verbreitung und Häufigkeit, Habitat, Brutbiologie, Nistplatz, Nahrung und Jagdverhalten, Migration, Gefährdung und Schutz sowie im Vergleich zu Laggerfalke (Indischer Sub- kontinent), Ruß- und Silberfalke (beide Australien). Das Buch ist mit zahlreichen Tabellen und Abbildungen illustriert, 52 davon (plus zwei Plates zur Unterarten-Bestimmung) auch in Farbe, und enthält eine ausgesprochen umfangreiche Li- teraturliste (26 Seiten). G. Leonardi entwirft das faszinierende Porträt einer Art, die phylogenetisch an der Basis der Hierofalken steht (also v. a. mit Ger- und Sakerfalke verwandt ist) und sich morpho- und physiologisch sehr gut an Savannenlandschaften im breiteren Sinne angepasst zeigt. Bei Bedarf kann das ökologische Spektrum an Verhaltensweisen (auch im Vergleich zum Wanderfalken) beträchtlich erweitert werden, z. B. durch nur für die Brut zur Vogelzugzeit im Frühjahr in extrem aride Gebiete einwandernde Lannerfalken (Unterart erlangeri), die Ausdehnung des Nahrungsspektrums von Vögeln hin zu Kleinsäugern und Reptilien bzw. das Brüten auf Masten, Gebäuden oder sogar am Boden. Zoogeographisch hat die Ausdehnung der Sahara die nördlichen Vertreter des Lanners verstärkt isoliert, was insbesondere für die auch in Europa und in der EU brütende Form feldeggii gilt. Der Feldeggsfalke (über den T. Mebs im Übrigen schon in den 1950er Jahren einen Beitrag lieferte) kommt schwerpunktmäßig in Italien, auf der Balkan-Halbinsel und in der Türkei vor, wobei es für beide letzteren Gebiete keine wirklich belastbaren Bestandsschätzungen gibt. Gerade bei dieser Unterart ist also ein unmittelbarer Forschungs- und Schutzbedarf gegeben. Lücken oder gar Fehler in diesem Opus zu finden ist kaum möglich, einige wenige nicht ganz korrekt geschriebene (deutsche) Begriffe bzw. Autoren fallen nicht ins Gewicht. Wenn ein ernsthafter Wunsch geäußert werden darf, dann jener nach komprimierten Zusammenfassungen, entweder am Ende eines jeden Kapitels oder als gesonderte Summary. Gerade weil in diesem Buch so viel Detail-Information steckt, wird es namentlich für den nicht so ausgewiesenen Falken-Kenner schwieriger sein, die wesentlichen Inhalte zu isolieren. Synoptische Betrachtungen würden die Leserlichkeit und Erfassbarkeit durchaus erleichtern. Mit The Lanner Falcon hat der italienische Autor eine um -fassende Artmonographie geschaffen, welche aufgrund des breiten ökologischen Ansatzes mit zahlreichen Bezügen zu biologisch allgemein relevanter Literatur nicht nur für den Falken- und Greifvogel-Experten eine spannende und lehrreiche Quelle darstellt. Auch mit einem Preis von gut 50 € kann der Kauf dieses Werkes durchaus empfohlen werden, wobei das im Eigenverlag erschienene Buch nicht in allen gängigen Buchvertrieben erhältlich ist. Nach Angaben des Autors ([email protected]) kann eine Bestellung über http://lannerfalcon.weebly.com/index.html erfolgen, sie ist teilweise aber auch über den Buchhandel im deutschsprachigen Raum möglich.
La publication de ce livre en 1992 a été suivie d’une nouvelle édition en 2001. Cette troisième version souligne la ténacité et la persévérance avec la quelle Giovanni Leonardi poursuit sa recherche. L'auteur ne se contente pas de simplement décrire la biologie du Faucon lanier, il donne une vision d'ensemble qui pourra servir de point de départ aux études futures. Cette monographie unique couvre 300 pages aux quelles s’ajoutent quelque trente pages de photos en couleurs. Un coup d’œilàla table des matières permet dese faire une idée de l’exhaustivité du travail. L’auteur décrit l’histoire de l’espèce, la taxonomie et la génétique, la répartition, le régime alimentaire, les mouvements migratoires, les techniques de chasse, les menaces…Ces aspects sont développés pour les cinq sous-espèces de Lanier réparties sur le continent africain, dans le bassin méditerranéen et le Moyen-Orient. Un bref chapitre est également consacré aux espèces apparentées. La bibliographie, qui compte 27 pages, montre combien l’auteur s’est investi dans ses recherches. Il existe très peu de publications sur le Faucon lanier, par conséquent nous sommes très reconnaissants à l’auteur d’avoir réalisé ce travail titanesque, même si ce livre ne s’adresse pas au simple amateur de rapaces. The Lanner Falcon est une monographie bien documentée et faisant autorité.
Walter Belis http://www.aves.be/index.php?id=article_bulletin&no_cache=1
Picus (41 (2) - 2015)
Si possono riempire 299 pagine di testo parlando di una sola specie? Assolutamente si. Lo ha dimostrato Giovanni Leonardi con questo suo interessante e utile testo, scritto in lingua inglese. Si può fare, però, solo se la specie viene studiata con passione negli anni, viene seguita con scrupolosità naturalistica, se si crea una rete fitta e intensa con tutti gli studiosi del mondo che condividono la passione per quella specie, se si attua una attenta e completa analisi bibliografica. E nel libro sul Lanario c’è proprio tutto quello che si sa oggi sulla specie. Basta dare una scorsa ai capitoli e ai paragrafi riportati nell’indice: storia, tassonomia e genetica; struttura e funzioni; distribuzione e stima delle popolazioni; territorio e densità in periodo riproduttivo; stagione riproduttiva; strategie riproduttive; dieta e tecniche di caccia; movimenti; minacce e conservazione; confronto con altre specie del gruppo Hierofalco. Ciascun capitolo, diviso in diversi paragrafi. È estremamente dettagliato con continue citazioni bibliografiche, tabelle comparative, analisi ampie e complete. In alcuni casi anche originali. E’ il caso ad esempio delle documentazioni storiche della specie attraverso i secoli. Quello che colpisce, e sarà certamente apprezzato dal lettore sia esso generico che specialista della specie o comunque dei falchi, è proprio l’accuratezza dell’informazione fornita. A me, ad esempio, ha colpito l’accuratezza con cui vengono descritte le abitudini urbane della specie in tutto il suo areale. Ho trovato informazioni che anche io, che, come è noto, seguo da anni la materia, non conoscevo. Un altro aspetto che ho trovato personalmente interessante e stimolante è l’analisi delle componenti della dieta e del loro variare nelle varie sottospecie, oltre che negli habitat e nelle regioni in cui la specie è presente su scala globale. I dati presenti sono utili anche per comparazioni con altre specie di falchi. Da sottolineare anche che la trattazione spazia sull’intero areale mondiale della specie e in egual modo per tutte le sottospecie. Il testo è impreziosito dai disegni di Marco Preziosi (inutile presentare questo straordinario disegnatore naturalistico) e da belle foto molto didattiche. Un’ultima considerazione, infine. Siamo sempre stati abituati negli ultimi decenni a leggere libri di tal genere scritti da Autori britannici, scandinavi, nord-americani. Ebbene, questa volta, pur conservando l’uso della lingua inglese, l’Autore è un nostro concittadino, e non possiamo che esserne fieri perché è l’ulteriore dimostrazione della crescita dell’ornitologia italiana, una crescita tumultuosa, e a volta mal indirizzata, ma che, dove la pianta è sana, sta dando ottimi frutti. E’ il caso di Giovanni Leonardi.
Les monographies de rapaces sont déjà nombreuses, y compris de grands faucons (Pèlerin, Gerfaut ..) mais aucune n’avait encore traité le Lanier malgré sa répartition assez vaste (de l’Italie à l’Afrique du Sud et au Moyen Orient). C’est, en plus des études personnelles de l’auteur, une compilation extrêmement détaillée de tout ce qui a été publié sur l’espèce depuis son origine phylogénétique jusqu’aux problèmes de conservation actuels en passant par la morphologie, physiologie, reproduction, comportements, régime alimentaire, dynamique de population, mouvements migratoires, etc. Les débuts de connaissances ne sont pas oubliés (par exemple momies égyptiennes, anciens traités de fauconnerie), ni la différentiation progressive et l’expansion de l’espèce, du moins telles que la génétique et la systématique permettent de les reconstituer. Tout les points abordés sont traités séparément pour chacune des cinq sous-espèces, du moins chaque fois que c’est connu. Pour réduire les coûts de publication (à compte d’auteur), les photographies sont en noir, sauf deux cahiers de planches et clichés couleur regroupés. D’utiles comparaisons sont faites également avec les 5 autres espèces de grands faucons, soulignant ainsi les particularités du Lanier. Il est cependant un peu dommage que cette profusion de données, souvent très détaillées, ne soient que rarement suive de synthèses, résumes, figures ou tableaux concis qui faciliteraient une lecture ou une compréhension rapides. Seuls les pontes, nichées ou régimes alimentaires bénéficient d’un tel traitement. Dès la description initiale des sous-espèces, on ne cerne pas immédiatement les différences de plumage et al distribution de chacune alors que le reste de l’ouvrage s’articule souvent sur ces sous-espèces. Néanmoins la richesse et l’exhaustivité de la documentation ainsi réunie font de cette monographie, jusqu’ici unique, une mine de renseignements, une référence incontournable et un bel exemple de ce que peut produire la passion d’un auteur pour son espèce préférée.
The Lanner Falcon is an iconic bird of prey indeed. It is perhaps the most versatile of all large falcons in its hunting techniques, and has a large breeding range, mainly in Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe. It has several distinctive subspecies, some are resident while others perform annual migration. And the Lanner has a long history alongside humans, and has been used in falconry for centuries, though it is probably less popular than other, more powerful large falcons. This book is not a coffee-table book, nor a field guide for identification. More than anything else it is a huge accumulation of all pieces of knowledge on Lanner Falcon. This is the third edition since the first edition published in 1992. It includes ten main chapters that deal with its biology, distribution, variation and human history. Each chapter is divided into many sections and sub-sections. The scientific background and training of the author Giovanni Leonardi is apparent in the structure and style of writing of the entire book. Each sub-section is almost a stand-alone document, with an introduction that defines the main topic of the sub-section, and the results or main body of information. Sub-sections often end with a short discussion describing the current gaps in knowledge of that aspect. The author very carefully references each information element to its source, which results in an impressive 27 pages of references. The language used is pretty much scientific, and the sub-sections are well-structured to fit scientific style. Each sub-section is accompanied by relevant graphs, tables, maps, and photographs. Some of these were produced by the author especially for this book, while others were reproduced from other sources. This is one of the drawbacks of the book in my eyes - even though it is intended to maintain high scientific standards, the figures and maps sometimes lack information that is essential for interpretation. This is a shame: the six maps presenting GIS models developed for this book between pp 269-270 lack significant details about the data and what they represent. As mentioned before, this book covers all possible aspects of Lanner Falcon life. This is done in great detail. However, some of the data collated here is rather esoteric and of no real importance to those who just love large falcons, but rather is just an accumulation of all available knowledge. Examples for this are the sub-sections about the chemical composition and diseases of Lanner Falcons. One piece of relevant information that I found lacking is the current use of Lanners for falconry and its implications on conservation. Some of the chapters offer more enjoyable reading for birders, such as the chapters on subspecific identification, distribution, hunting and movements. The colour plates are magnificent and include photographs by leading wildlife photographers. Other chapters are heavier and more technical. All in all, this book is an impressive collection of information, and is well structured. It is an effective review of substantial literature, and is an essential source for falcophiles and for anyone with a professional interest in large falcons and specifically in Lanners. I think that an inclusion of an index would have made the access to the data easier, but still it is an important addition to existing literature on the Lanner Falcon, by collating all available knowledge, and also by producing original results for this book.
This volume is an updated version of the author’s previous books on the Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus, also published privately, in 1992 and 2001. It is attractively laid out and well organised, with maps, figures and tables used to good effect. There are black-and-white photographs throughout, and two blocks of excellent colour photographs. The Lanner Falcon has been less well studied than some of its close relatives and the author has done a good job in pulling together information from many diverse sources across its wide breeding range. I hadn’t previously appreciated that it is reasonably common and widespread across large parts of Africa, and is the most familiar large falcon in many African countries, including in some urban areas. In contrast, the population of the most northerly of the five subspecies is small and vulnerable, with just a few hundred pairs, thinly spread across a highly fragmented range in southeast Europe. It is a difficult bird to get to grips with in Europe and it seems there is much still to learn about its basic ecology, particularly away from its Italian (and especially Sicilian) stronghold. The text is generally well written, bearing in mind that English is not the author’s first language, though it is rather technical and jargon-heavy in some sections. Readers not familiar with the scientific terminology around genetic analysis, morphology and disease, for example, may wish to keep a dictionary to hand for these chapters. I got more enjoyment (and useful information) from the more accessible chapters covering distribution, breeding, movements, diet and hunting behaviour. Interestingly, the Lanner exploits a broader range of habitats and prey types than the similar-sized Peregrine Falcon F. peregrinus, at least in Africa. It also uses a surprisingly diverse range of different hunting techniques, which are well described in the book and make fascinating reading. The lack of an index was frustrating when trying to locate, or refer back to, specific pieces of information. I also felt that summaries would have been useful to provide an accessible overview of each chapter for those without the time or inclination to read through the entire text. Overall, I think this is a monograph that will serve primarily as a reference source for raptor aficionados rather than appealing particularly to a broader audience. It is, though, a valuable contribution to the literature and should help to encourage a greater interest in the ecology and conservation of this attractive and interesting falcon.
Ian Carter http://britishbirds.co.uk/article/the-lanner-falcon/
Falco Newsletter (Issue No. 46 - Winter)
This monograph on the Lanner Falcon is the culmination of field work and research undertaken over nearly a quarter of a century by Dr. Giovanni Leonardi of the Osservatorio Natura in Italy. This is the third edition of a monograph first published in 1992, and this greatly revised and expanded version certainly achieves the stated aim of “creating an overview of all that is currently known about the Lanner Falcon”. The book consists of 10 chapters (332 pages) incorporating numerous figures and tables, together with 32 pages of coloured plates, maps and photographs. Chapter 1: History, taxonomy and genetics includes much of interest for the falconer, particularly in relation to the history of the species from ancient falconry texts. The complex subject of phylogenetic relationships among the Falcons and, more specifically within the group of large falcons termed the ‘Hierofalcons’, is also discussed here, drawing on some of the recently published genetic work. Chapter 2: Structure and functions covers anatomy, physiology and morphology. Close attention is paid to plumage differences between races, illustrating that phenotype is linked to climate where paler forms are found in hot zones and darker birds in cool regions. Information is provided on moult and biometrics of adults, vocalisations together with data on eggs and the development of chicks. Chapter 3: Distribution and population estimates begins with a retrospective analysis of population process that may have lead to the current observed distribution of Lanner Falcons. Given that quantitative data on populations are scarce across much of the distribution range, we are introduced to modelling work that predicts the potential distribution of each subspecies. Chapter 4: Territory and breeding densities informs us that Lanner Falcons prefer open habitats across their distribution range and are absent from the equatorial forests. The habitats within breeding territories are varied as are the competitors for nesting sites. There are some concerns that an increasing and expanding Peregrine population may have an impact on Lanner Falcons through competition for nest sites, though the picture is far from clear and may vary regionally. Chapter 5: Breeding season reveals how there is a distinct separation of egg-laying dates for populations in the southern hemisphere compared to the north. The behaviours associated with breeding such as mating displays and parental care are described along with basic ecological information on breeding parameters such as clutch size, brood size and breeding success. Chapter 6: Breeding strategies covers the range of nest sites used by Lanner falcons, with some remarkable images of birds breeding on man-made structure such as an old WWII vehicle in the desert of SW Egypt. Chapter 7: Diet and hunting techniques demonstrates that birds are the main prey taken across much of the distribution range, with the remainder taken up by mammalian prey and to a lesser extent reptiles and insects. Hunting techniques are varied and it is interesting to note that co-operative hunting by two birds improved success rates. Chapter 8: Movements are considered for the different sub-species, and though data is limited mainly to ring recoveries this chapter collates the information on medium and long-distance movements, which are undertaken in relation to periodic rains and the movements of prey species. Chapter 9: Threats and conservation runs through a series of human threats such as disturbance, persecution and trade. Despite there being little evidence of widespread use of Lanner Falcons in Arabian falconry, trapping is widespread in neighbouring regions of Africa, suggesting that many trappers do not discriminate between species and try to capture all the falcons they encounter irrespective of ‘market demands’. Other threats, such as predation and disease are also covered. Chapter 10: Lanner, Lagger, Black and Grey Falcons is the briefest chapter. The selection of species for this chapter seemed a little arbitrary and I was unclear why these particular species were chosen for comparison rather than the five species in the ‘Hierofalcon’ group. Any enthusiast of the Lanner Falcon will find something new in this book and its comprehensive reference list is a useful resource covering published material from Africa and Europe. The book would have benefited from proof reading by a native English speaker and a concluding summary for each chapter drawing together the various themes discussed would have been useful. But these are minor quibbles considering the wealth of information that has been presented in this publication.
Andrew Dixon http://www.mefrg.org/images/falco/falco46web.pdf
BTO news (mid-november)
The first edition of this book, published in 1992, was followed nearly a decade later by a new review of the species by the same author. That a third version of the book has been newly published underlines the continued and extensive research that Giovanni Leonardi has since carried out. The author describes this as ‘not simply [a] review’ of Lanner falcon biology but ‘an attempt to create a new overview of the species that can hopefully serve as a starting point for future research.’ Running to 300 pages, plus 32 additional pages of coloured-plates and photographs, the book presents a significant and detailed overview of what is known about the Lanner Falcon. Sections on History, taxonomy and genetics; Structure and functions; Distribution and population estimates; Territory and breeding densities; Breeding season; Breeding strategies; Diet and hunting techniques; Movements; and Threats and Conservation, are followed by a very short section on related species. Throughout, the text is well referenced – there are 27 pages of references at the end of the book – and the author has clearly researched across a broad range of publications. Supporting the text, and the author’s interpretations of different components of the species’ ecology, are numerous graphs, tables, maps and black and white photographs. This is a well-researched and authoritative monograph, setting a high standard. My only criticism, and it is a minor one given that the author is not writing in his first language, is that the English used sometimes fails to portray what I think the author intends. Having always seen the Lanner as a poor relation to the more impressive Peregrine and Gyrfalcon, I think that Leonardi has shifted my view. This is an interesting falcon, occupying a not insignificant geographic area and range of habitats.