BayCEER Workshop 2026

Population dynamics and breeding success of Peregrine Falcon and Eagle Owl: Outdoor recreation and predation pressure

3.2 in Afternoon Session II

08.10.2026, 15:30-15:45, H 36

Rock walls provide important breeding habitat for cliff-breeding raptors but are increasingly exposed to pressure from outdoor recreation. We investigated whether outdoorsports affect the breeding success and population development of Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) in the Northern Frankenjura under the current management system and compared their effects with natural factors, particularly predation.

We combined 25 years of monitoring with camera-trap data from 19 cameras deployed at eagle owl and peregrine falcon nesting sites during the 2025 breeding season. Breeding success was compared between climbed (with seasonal closures) and unclimbed cliffs and by distance to paths/viewpoints and to the other species nest. Time-series and population models were used to assess long-term population dynamics, while camera footage was analysed to identify potential causes of breeding failure.

Eagle owl populations increased overall, with strongly fluctuating breeding activity. Peregrine falcon remained comparatively stable. Breeding success did not differ between climbed (with seasonal restrictions) and unclimbed cliffs, nor with distance to hiking trails or viewpoints, indicating no measurable long-term effect of outdoor recreation under current management. Camera traps revealed that eagle owl preyed on peregrine falcon breeding, but successful breeding occurred at short distances between both species, indicating that coexistence is possible. Raccoons and beech martens were recorded at nesting sites but were not observed causing breeding failures.

Population dynamics of both species appear largely self-regulating, driven by density dependence, nesting-site availability and interspecific interactions rather than outdoor recreation. Current, moderate management appears sufficient to maintain stable or slightly increasing populations, supporting a nuanced, site-specific approach to species protection and sustainable outdoor recreation.

Eagle owl on camera trap

Keywords: Bubo bubo, Falco peregrinus, rock climbing, climbing management, cliff ecosystems, monitoring, camera trapping, outdoor recreation

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