The Faecal Microbiota of Captive Gyr Falcons Falco rusticolus (Linnaeus 1758) and Hybrids in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract Falcons are traditionally used in falconry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and many nations in the region. Many falcon species are kept captive and bred, selecting for their hunting capabilities in many of these countries. Of the several species of falcons, purebred Gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus), the largest among falcons, is greatly appreciated by falconers for its hunting skill. Captive-bred Gyrfalcons can live, reproduce and hunt for long and are more stable. Aspergillosis is a non-contagious fungal disease of wild and domestic birds caused by fungus Aspergillus species. This fungal disease is economically important, being the main cause of mortality in captive birds, especially in falcons. This study assessed the effect of diet on the intestinal bacterial flora through faecal culturing of Aspergillosis-affected Gyrfalcons and discussed the potential of the isolated organisms as pathogens to spread to humans and avian species. An infected male Gyr and hybrid female (Gyr and Peregrine - F. peregrinus) were fed meat and a fresh chicken-rich diet for faecal samples, and the samples showed equal distribution of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria relatively less harmful. The bacteria recovered here may be transient flora obtained through the diet and, under normal circumstances, may not actually be capable of colonizing and becoming permanent residents in the raptorial enteral tract. Thus, providing falcons with varied healthy diets is the best option in captivity, which could help falconers keep their birds free from infections.