93 falcons take flight back into wild

Ninety-three falcons were released into the wild in Kazakhstan this year as part of the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme (SZFRP). This now means that a total of 1,554 of the culturally emblematic birds have been released since the programme started in 1995. The programme, under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is now in its 19th successive year and indications are that the numbers of falcons in the wild are growing as a result of the work being done by Abu Dhabi to restore a bird crucial to local heritage. Speaking following this year's release, Mohammed Al Bowardi, Managing Director of EAD, said: "In the words of our father, the late Sheikh Zayed, 'Our ancestors left us a legacy of traditions we are proud of. Our mission is to maintain and develop them as assets of the nation for future generations'. 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." This year's release was carried out between May 16th and 18th, 2013 and included a total of 46 Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and 47 Saker falcons (Falco cherrug) which were released in Kurchum, Eastern Kazakhstan, for the fifth consecutive year. The Republic of Kazakhstan is an ideal location to release falcons due to its mountains and plains situated within the falcons' migration range (that spreads through Russia, China, and Mongolia) which pay host to the prey essential for falcons to breed and prosper. Of the 93 falcons, 5 Peregrine and 5 Saker falcons were fitted with solar battery-powered satellite transmitters to monitor their flight paths and to gather scientific data about their survival rates. The programme uses cutting-edge technology to study the migration patterns of falcons, which inform the breeding and release of falcons to provide a better chance for the birds' survival. Onsite observation and continuous monitoring through SZFRP have indicated the programme is increasing the number of falcons in the wild in Kazakhstan. This year's release was witnessed by Dr. Mugheer A Khaili, Director General of Abu Dhabi Education Council and a member of the Board of International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), along with Grigory Pinchuk, the representative of Berdybek Saperbaev, Governor of East Kazakhstan Province, Mamerbek Khalilov, Deputy Governor of Kurchum Region, and university students from the Faculty of Biology and Natural Sciences at the University of Ust-Kamenogorsk. The students are part of a research programme in Kazakhstan supported by the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and IFHC in training and developing the students' scientific skills. The SZFRP is representative of Abu Dhabi's holistic approach to conservation. Working with local populations is a vital element in the international efforts needed to conserve species which migrate across many countries. On the scientific initiative with Kazakh students, Al Bowardi said, "This research helps us spread awareness amongst the locals in the release areas in Kazakhstan. Falconers visit universities and schools and appear on Kazakh TV programmes to show videos about releasing falcons and talk about falcons and falconry. By spreading the conservation message of this programme and getting local people to help the local government we have a better chance of protecting these falcons." The holistic approach is also evident in the cooperation between agencies within Abu Dhabi on the SZFRP. It is being provided with medical support by the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital - the largest falcon hospital in the world - as well as technical and logistical support from IFHC. Al Bowardi, who is also Deputy Chairman of IFHC, added: "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, such as the Asian Houbara, which is the preferred prey of falconers. By releasing them into the wild in their normal habitat, we give them the chance to reproduce and for populations to expand. This in its turn will help sustain the culture and heritage of falconry which has been important for thousands of years." Falconry has been practiced by Bedouins for many centuries to hunt for food such as rabbits or the Houbara. In modern times it has developed into a sport, while retaining its cultural and social significance. "From falconry we can learn many important values and skills. We learn to be at one with nature and the need to conserve the world around us. It also teaches us vital life skills such as respect, patience and working together, which make us better individuals and improve our community. In essence, falconry is at the heart of the unique identity which makes our nation what it is today", commented Al Bowardi. The importance of falconry was recognised in 2010 when it was listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage to Humanity. In the UNESCO citation, "Falconry is recognised by its community members as part of their cultural heritage, is a social tradition respecting nature and the environment, passed on from generation to generation, and providing them a sense of belonging, continuity and identity." The importance of both the Saker and Peregrine falcons for falconry has meant that Abu Dhabi has been at the forefront of conservation efforts for these species. Al Bowardi added: "Since the programme began in 1995, it has been a story of continuous success. This success is due to the commitment of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, to implement the long-term vision of the late Sheikh Zayed and provide a legacy for future generations to enjoy."