MAKKAH: Experts held a seminar to discuss factors that lead to the extinction of birds of prey in Riyadh at an event on Saturday. At the event titled “Preserving the Environmental Contact of Birds of Prey,” leaders in conservation outlined the grave threats facing the animals. Experts warned that some 100,000 birds of prey, 20.1 million songbirds, and 1 million water birds are killed annually in the countries bordering the Mediterranean. Forty species of birds that lived in the area have since been made extinct. Dr. Mohammed Shubraq, a consultant in environmental research at the Saudi Wildlife Authority, told the seminar that there are 10,966 species of birds, of which 1,469 are endangered, adding that 500 are found in the Kingdom. Shubraq said that there are 48 species of birds of prey in the world, including 37 species of eagles, sparrow hawks and harriers, and 11 types of falcons. FAST FACTS • Experts warned that some 100,000 birds of prey, 20.1 million songbirds, and 1 million water birds are killed annually in the countries bordering the Mediterranean. • Forty species of birds that lived in the area have since been made extinct. The expert added that recent studies have classified the hunting falcons into three main categories: the peregrine falcon, with breeding groups of this species found in the Kingdom; the saker falcon, which are known to be the migratory falcons; and the mountain peregrine falcon.   Shubraq said that genetic studies indicate that the mountain peregrine falcon exists in the Kingdom. Dr. Janusz Silecki, vice president of the Wild Animal Society of Poland, said that falconers play an important role in preserving falcons from extinction, as well as protecting endangered species, by following simple techniques. Silecki pointed to covering electrical wires in the air, with statistics showing that many birds die due to electrocution.