Efforts to save the endangered houbara bustard from extinction have taken a giant leap forward after almost 6,000 of the birds were released into the wild following an Abu Dhabi-based breeding programme.
The International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) released a total of 5,855 Asian houbara at sites across the UAE and Arabian Peninsula last year and already 1,450 have been released this year across the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Yemen.
Their numbers have suffered significant declines over the past few decades due to overhunting, normally by hunters using falcons.
“This is a significant step forward in our efforts to secure a living legacy for the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to ensure that wild populations of the houbara are sustainable. By extending the release of houbaras across the Gulf, with the assistance of our neighbours, we can build on the successes we have already achieved and bring our ultimate goal closer to fruition,” said Mohamed Ahmed Al Bowardi, deputy chairman of the IFHC Board.
“I want to thank our brother nations in the region for their support in this important initiative. Such unity of purpose not only provides a greater chance for success in the area of conservation, but also serves to strengthen the bonds that tie us together.”
The number of sites where the birds can be safely released in the UAE has increased from a single area in 2004 to 25 different sites currently.
Mohammed Saleh Al Baidani, director-general of IFHC, said: “By releasing houbara in other Gulf countries we aim to increase the numbers of birds residing and breeding in the region to increase numbers so wild populations achieve long-term sustainability.”
