Present trends, research gaps, and emerging priorities in falcon studies: A four-decade bibliometric analysis from the Arabian Gulf.

Abstract

Background and aim: Despite the profound cultural and ecological significance of falcons in the Arabian Gulf, systematic evaluations of regional falcon research are lacking. A bibliometric approach can elucidate the evolution, influence, and emerging priorities within this specialized field. This study aimed to provide the first comprehensive bibliometric mapping of falcon research in the Arabian Gulf countries over the past four decades (1984-2024), revealing research dynamics, international collaboration networks, thematic trajectories, and critical knowledge gaps.

Materials and methods: Original research articles were systematically retrieved from the Scopus database using targeted search strategies restricted to title-level keywords and affiliation filters. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 126 articles were selected for analysis. Bibliometric methods - including co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, thematic mapping, and trend analysis - were applied using VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and Excel.

Results: The research output exhibited a modest annual growth rate of 2.32%, predominantly driven by contributions from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Strong international collaborations (56.35% co-authored publications) were identified, particularly with European and North American institutions. Research themes historically centered on clinical veterinary topics and avian biology are now shifting toward molecular diagnostics, genetic studies, and disease surveillance. However, a clear regional imbalance and underrepresentation of emerging fields such as genomics, epidemiology, and conservation breeding were observed.

Conclusion: This analysis underscores the need for an integrative, regionally inclusive research strategy incorporating advanced molecular technologies and conservation science. Strengthening cross-border collaboration, adopting genome-based monitoring, and addressing emerging infectious threats will be critical to advancing falcon research and preservation in the Arabian Gulf.