Geodiversity of Karst landforms with high priority conservation areas for Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) in the White Desert National Park, Western Desert, Egypt

This paper examines the relationship between karst landforms and biological diversity. We investigated the distribution of a migratory threatened species, the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor), within different karst landform zones identified in the White Desert National Park in the Farafra Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt. Field surveys of the distribution and breeding of Sooty Falcons were conducted within different karst landforms in the White Desert National Park during September to November from 2009 to 2013. Numbers of Sooty Falcon pairs recorded in the park have ranged from 33 to 101 per annum and the species has been recorded in all years from 2009 to 2013. The number of single adults and juveniles ranges from 11 to 71, while the nestlings recorded range between 29 and 88 through the study period. Our results confirm that the distribution pattern, density and breeding success of the falcons are strongly related to solution cavities formed within tower karsts which are the home base for the species. The increased numbers in the last two years are likely related to lesser impacts of human disturbance as a result of a decrease in tourist activity in the study area due to security concerns.