After the Second World War, the study of falcons adopted a more holistic ecological approach, focusing on their role as predators and their migratory patterns. However, in the 1950s, falcon populations—particularly peregrine falcons—suffered a sharp decline due to a combination of persecution, habitat loss, and the widespread use of pesticides. This dramatic decline is highlighted in Birds of Prey in Europe (1974), which examines the near-extinction of certain falcon species and the devastating role pesticides played in their populations. In response, conservation efforts were ramped up, with initiatives such as captive breeding programs and legal protection for raptors implemented across Europe. These efforts helped foster the recovery of falcon species. Conservation has remained critical in the Western Palearctic, where ongoing challenges like habitat loss and the expansion of tourism continue to threaten falcons. A key success story is the recovery of peregrine falcons, largely attributed to the banning of harmful pesticides. While reproductive success has significantly improved, regional differences persist, showing that conservation challenges remain.