Abu Dhabi has commandeered efforts to restore the endangered falcon species, releasing 93 of the carnivores into Kazakhstan’s wilderness.
The Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme (SZFRP) was founded by the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan, to preserve the natural falcon population and study the migration patterns and survival rates of them.
The programme released 46 Peregrine falcons and 47 Saker falcons on 16th to 18th May, which means a total of 1,554 falcons have been released in the 19 years it has been operational.
The release was carried out at Kurchum, Eastern Kazakhstan, for the fifth consecutive year.
Kazakhstan was chosen due to its location; it’s within the migration range of falcons – spanning through Russia, China and Mongolia, as well as host to mountains and plains as well as to prey suitable to falcons.
Managing director of Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD), HE Mohammed Al Bowardi said: “Abu Dhabi’s work to preserve this cultural icon is both unified and international and reflects our commitment in making a real difference to both global conservation and for the preservation of our culture.”
Five of each type of falcon were equipped with transmitters to monitor their flight paths and gather data on survival rates.
“This programme shows the UAE’s commitment to protecting falcons and their prey, and is a continuation of the country’s efforts to preserve other endangered species. By releasing them into their normal habitat, we are giving them the chance to reproduce and for populations to actually expand,” Al Bowardi added.
Falconry is a key part of the Bedouin heritage and has been for many centuries. It was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage to Humanity by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2010.
