Latest news with #SheikhZayedFalconReleaseProgramme
Time of India
22-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Why is UAE releasing its most treasured Falcons thousands of miles away from home?
Since 1995, the UAE's Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme has released over 2,300 falcons to restore endangered populations globally/ Image: WAM TL;DR: The UAE 's Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme has released over 2,300 falcons since 1995. In May 2025, 81 falcons were released in Kazakhstan, continuing a 9-year consecutive effort there. Falcons undergo health checks, training, and tracking before release to ensure survival and data collection. In a remote stretch of Kazakhstan's vast steppes, 81 falcons soared into the sky this May , strong, healthy, and finally free. For the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this was no ordinary wildlife release. It was a carefully orchestrated, symbolic gesture that bridges thousands of years of cultural tradition with one of the most advanced conservation programmes in the world. These birds,53 Peregrine falcons and 28 Saker falcons , were released as part of the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme, now entering its 30th year. More than a conservation milestone, the release reflects the UAE's deep and complex relationship with falcons , creatures that are not only national symbols but sacred threads in the country's cultural and ecological fabric. Why, then, is a country that reveres falcons so deeply releasing them into the wild, especially in a place thousands of kilometers away? The answer lies in the UAE's unique approach to honoring heritage through protection. Falconry in the UAE: A Living Heritage Falconry in the UAE is not merely a sport or tradition , it is a national institution. Historical Roots: Dating back over 2,000 years, falconry began as a Bedouin hunting method for survival in the harsh desert. Cultural Significance: Falcons symbolize strength, nobility, courage, and resilience, values that remain core to the Emirati identity. National Symbol: Falcons are so revered they are featured on the UAE's national emblem, and appear in Emirati poetry, stories, and songs. UNESCO Recognition: In recognition of its significance, falconry was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today, falconry remains a vibrant part of Emirati life , seen in National Day celebrations, desert tourism experiences, and the day-to-day life of modern falconers. At the same time, the UAE has evolved falconry into a model of responsible stewardship, ensuring that the practice is not only preserved but sustainable for future generations. Why Release Falcons Into the Wild? The answer is rooted in the same values that made falcons beloved in the first place: respect for nature, balance, and legacy. Over the decades, wild falcon populations have faced increasing threats: Encroachment on natural habitats from expanding human activities Unsustainable breeding and capture practices Climate change, which affects food chains and migration routes Rather than contribute to the decline of wild populations, the UAE has chosen a different path , one of rehabilitation, reintegration, and global cooperation. Through the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme, the UAE is actively returning strong, healthy falcons to their natural ecosystems. Since the programme's inception in 1995, a total of 2,355 falcons , including both Saker and Peregrine falcons , have been released. The 2025 Release in Kazakhstan: A Strategic Return to the Wild In May 2025, the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme marked another significant milestone with the release of 81 falcons into the wild in Kazakhstan. This effort not only continues a growing legacy but also reinforces the UAE's commitment to science-led wildlife restoration. This year's release represents: The ninth consecutive year that the programme has operated in Kazakhstan A key initiative as the programme moves further into its fourth decade of conservation work Falcon Composition: 53 Peregrine falcons 28 Saker falcons Kazakhstan was strategically chosen for its critical role in the falcons' natural migratory range, which extends across: Kazakhstan Russia China Mongolia Other neighboring countries in Central Asia The region's rugged mountains, vast steppe, and prey-rich ecosystems provide ideal conditions for the birds to reintegrate and survive in the wild. Pre-Release Preparation Before taking flight, each falcon underwent a rigorous preparation process designed to ensure they were healthy, fit, and capable of thriving independently: Comprehensive veterinary assessments to confirm physical health Intensive physical training to rebuild strength and hunting skills Fitting with identification leg bands for field recognition Implantation of electronic microchips for secure individual tracking In addition, 10 falcons, five Saker and five Peregrine w,ere fitted with solar-powered satellite-tracking devices. These trackers provide scientists and conservationists with real-time data used to: Monitor survival rates post-release Track migration routes across international borders Study dispersal behavior and how the birds adapt in the wild The information collected from these devices plays a vital role in refining rehabilitation, training, and release methods, ensuring each cycle of the programme is better informed and more effective than the last. Leadership and Partnerships Behind the Programme The Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme operates under the patronage and support of key figures and institutions in the UAE: Leadership: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan , Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) Board of Directors, has offered consistent and long-term support. Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi , Vice Chairman of the EAD and Vice Chairman of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, praised the programme, noting that it has become one of the world's leading efforts in wildlife restoration. He said it reflects the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father and demonstrates Abu Dhabi's and the UAE's leadership in global conservation and biodiversity protection, both vital to the wellbeing of the environment and humanity. Strategic Partners: Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment – guiding national environmental policy Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund – supporting research and raptor conservation International Fund for Houbara Conservation – focused on protecting houbara bustards, which share habitats and ecosystems with falcons Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital – the world's largest facility of its kind, handling health checks, treatment, and rehabilitation Institutional Support: Office of the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Republic of Kazakhstan Al Bowardi expressed his deep appreciation for the Committee on Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan and other Kazakhstani authorities, who helped ensure seamless coordination in the field. A Tradition That Evolves: Falconry in the Modern UAE The UAE continues to modernize falconry while protecting its essence: Training & Technique: Falconers use feathered decoys or drones to simulate prey, training falcons in agility and focus. Breeding & Regulation: Falcon passports help track birds and ensure legal, ethical trade and ownership. Tourism & Education: Desert safari operators and heritage resorts offer falconry demonstrations; the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is open to visitors and offers educational tours. By supporting falconry as a living, regulated heritage, the UAE ensures that the tradition thrives , not just in private majlis or at national festivals, but in public understanding and global conservation circles. FAQs: Q. What is the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme? It's a UAE-led initiative to protect and restore endangered falcon populations by releasing them back into the wild. Q. Why are falcons released in Kazakhstan? Kazakhstan lies within the natural migratory range of falcons and offers ideal habitats for their survival. Q. How does the programme track released falcons? Some falcons are fitted with satellite trackers to monitor their migration and survival. Q. Why is falconry important to the UAE? Falconry is a 2,000-year-old cultural tradition, symbolizing national pride and identity in the UAE.
Mid East Info
21-07-2025
- General
- Mid East Info
Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme Has Returned a Total of 2,355 Falcons to the Wild - Middle East Business News and Information
Entering its Fourth Decade with the Recent Release of 81 Falcons in Kazakhstan, Abu Dhabi,July 2025: With the release of 81 falcons in the Republic of Kazakhstan in May 2025, the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme has now entered its fourth decade. The recent release activity brings the total number of Saker and Peregrine falcons returned to the wild since the programme's inception to 2,355. The programme aims to increase falcon populations and protect them from a range of threats contributing to their endangered status such as expanding human activities that encroach on natural habitats, unsustainable breeding practices and climate change. For the ninth consecutive year, the programme saw 53 Peregrine falcons and 28 Saker falcons released in Kazakhstan – marking's the initiative's fourth decade of operation since it was established in 1995. The falcons' natural migratory range includes parts of Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Mongolia and neighbouring countries in a region characterised by rugged mountains and vast plains that offer ideal habitats rich in prey. Prior to release, all falcons underwent comprehensive veterinary checks, intensive training and were fitted with identification leg bands and implanted with electronic microchips. Ten falcons (five of each species) were equipped with solar-powered satellite-tracking devices to monitor survival rates, dispersion and migration routes. The data collected will be used to support the ongoing development of rehabilitation, training and release methods. H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of EAD Board of Directors, and Vice Chairman of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, extended his sincere gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, Chairman of EAD Board of Directors, for his patronage and continuous support of the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme. His Excellency emphasised that the programme has become one of the world's leading initiatives for the restoration of endangered wildlife species. It stands as a continuation of the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father and a testament to Abu Dhabi's and the UAE's global leadership in nature conservation and the protection of biodiversity, which is essential for the wellbeing of both the environment and humanity. H.E. Al Bowardi commended the successful partnerships that have contributed to the programme's achievements. In addition to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, key partners include the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation and the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. He also acclaimed the support provided by the Office of the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Republic of Kazakhstan. His Excellency expressed his sincere appreciation to the Committee on Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the relevant Kazakhstani authorities for facilitating the work of the joint team in implementing this program. About the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme: Marking Its Fourth Decade The Vision and the Founder: The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may his soul rest in peace) was deeply connected to nature and imbued with the rich heritage of his forefathers. From an early age, he recognised the growing environmental challenges posed by development and urban expansion, and took proactive measures to halt harmful activities such as the use of firearms in hunting. His deep passion for falconry inspired him to preserve its sustainable traditions, ensuring that falcons, their prey and natural habitats would endure for future generations. Sheikh Zayed launched globally recognised environmental initiatives as early as the 1960s. History records his remarkable success in saving the Arabian Oryx from extinction, along with his direct enforcement of laws banning the hunting of gazelles, birds, rabbitscand other wildlife. During this period, he also spearheaded the planting of millions of trees to enhance the wellbeing of both people and wildlife. His deep environmental values were brought to life through projects and programmes that had a lasting impact on the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of traditional, sustainable practices. Among his key decisions was the transition in 1993 toward the use of captive-bred falcons in response to the declining numbers of wild Saker falcons. From the very beginning, Sheikh Zayed insisted on releasing a significant portion of his falcons back into the wild after the hunting season, despite the ease of keeping them year-round thanks to advancements in falconry techniques and improved economic conditions. He remained committed to this sustainable practice, which aligned closely with his natural instincts and environmental awareness. In 1995, he directed the establishment of a programme to set up the mechanisms, procedures and standardised protocols required to fulfill the ultimate goal of falcon release: returning strong, healthy and native falcons to their natural environment at the right time and in the right place – all equipped to survive, compete, and thrive. The Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme embodies the profound human values of gratitude and responsibility, allowing falconers to feel a deep sense of purpose in giving back to nature what they borrow from it. It also reinforces the vital balance between wildlife and natural resources, which falconers depend on to continue their cherished cultural practice. Planning and Implementation: Preparations for the programme begin before the end of the annual falconry season. The release date is determined with great precision to align with the falcons' migration to their breeding grounds. Release sites are carefully selected from an array of safe locations situated along known migratory routes. Before being released, the falcons undergo an intensive pre-release programme that includes veterinary supervision and medical examinations to ensure they are free of bacterial, parasitic or viral infections. The selected falcons are subjected to daily training exercises to improve their fitness over several weeks. During this period, they are fed a special diet to increase their body weight, enhancing their chances of survival during the critical two-week adaptation period after release. Falcons that are not ready for release are kept at the hospital for rehabilitation and will be reintroduced into the wild in subsequent years. The programme ensures that only falcons of pure wild origin and in excellent health are released. Each falcon is assigned a unique serial number, which is placed on a leg band and embedded in a subcutaneous microchip, which can be read using a specialised scanner to identify the bird if it is recaptured. The falcons are transported according to a meticulous protocol that prioritises their safety and comfort, while ensuring their timely arrival for release. During transit, the birds are sprayed with water to help them remain calm and regulate body temperature. Upon arrival, they undergo another health check, are weighed and are examined for signs of dehydration or broken feathers. Only falcons that are fully ready are released, giving them the best possible chance to return safely to the wild. Hundreds of miles of terrain are surveyed to find suitable habitats where falcons can immediately begin relying on themselves for survival, including hunting. These sites may be near water sources, mountains or open plains. Prior to release, the field team re-surveys the selected area to ensure it is free from threats, checks wind direction, and looks for the presence of competing raptors. These measures maximise the falcons' chances of survival in the wild. Tracking and Monitoring: Modern technology has played a vital role in tracking the movements of falcons after their release, helping to assess their ability to survive and adapt to life in the wild. A selected sample of falcons is equipped with solar-powered satellite-tracking devices, with an operational lifespan of three to five years. These devices provide essential data, including location, altitude and body temperature. The data is transmitted daily via satellite and filtered before being sent by email to the National Avian Research Centre of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation in Abu Dhabi. Through this process, the programme has successfully gathered accurate, long-term data by tracking falcons well beyond their release. Lessons Learned: We have learned a great deal about falcon breeding grounds and migration routes – spanning seas, valleys, reefs, mountain slopes and plateaus – from the far reaches of Asia and Europe to Africa, through the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula. We have also learned how to collaborate effectively with countries, partners and local communities to achieve the programme's noble goals. This initiative has taken us to remote and distant regions of the world – places we might never have reached were it not for our deep commitment to ensuring that our falcons successfully return to safe habitats with suitable climates and abundant prey. About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD: Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.
Al Etihad
21-07-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme returns 2,355 falcons to the wild
21 July 2025 19:18 ABU DHABI (WAM)With the release of 81 falcons in the Republic of Kazakhstan in May 2025, the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme has now entered its fourth recent release activity brings the total number of Saker and Peregrine falcons returned to the wild since the programme's inception to 2, programme aims to increase falcon populations, and protect them from a range of threats contributing to their endangered status, including human activities that encroach on natural habitats, unsustainable breeding practices, and climate the ninth consecutive year, the programme saw 53 Peregrine falcons and 28 Saker falcons released in Kazakhstan – marking's the initiative's fourth decade of operation since it was established in falcons' natural migratory range includes parts of Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Mongolia and neighbouring countries in a region characterised by rugged mountains and vast plains that offer ideal habitats rich in to release, all falcons received comprehensive veterinary checks and intensive training, and were fitted with identification leg bands and implanted with electronic falcons - five of each species - were equipped with solar-powered satellite-tracking devices to monitor survival rates, dispersion and migration routes. The data collected will be used to support the ongoing development of rehabilitation, training and release Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of EAD Board of Directors, and Vice Chairman of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, extended his sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of EAD Board of Directors, for his patronage and continuous support of the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release emphasised that the programme has become one of the world's leading initiatives for the restoration of endangered wildlife species. It stands as a continuation of the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, and a testament to Abu Dhabi's and the UAE's global leadership in nature conservation and the protection of biodiversity, which is essential for the wellbeing of both the environment and Bowardi commended the successful partnerships that have contributed to the programme's achievements. In addition to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, key partners include the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation and the Abu Dhabi Falcon also acclaimed the support provided by the Office of the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Al Bowardi expressed his sincere appreciation to the Committee on Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the relevant Kazakhstani authorities, for facilitating the work of the joint team in implementing this programme.
Khaleej Times
21-07-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
UAE releases 81 falcons into wild in Kazakhstan in May; some tracked with satellite devices
Eighty one falcons were released into the wild in Kazakhstan in May 2025, as the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme (SZFRP) enters its fourth decade. This brings the total number of falcons released by the programme since its establishment in 1995 to 2,355. All falcons in the programme underwent a series of veterinary examinations and intensive training, the installation of identification metal rings, and the implantation of electronic chips. Ten falcons (five falcons of each species) were provided with satellite tracking devices whose batteries are powered by solar energy, to monitor survival rates, spread and migration routes, and to collect scientific data that is used to develop rehabilitation, training and release methods. The programme continued in Kazakhstan for the ninth consecutive year, with the release of 53 peregrine falcons and 28 saker falcons within their migratory range, which includes parts of Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Mongolia, and neighboring countries. These areas feature rugged mountains and vast plains, providing abundant prey for the falcons. The initiative aims to increase falcon populations and protect them from the risks of expanding human activities at the expense of natural habitats, unsustainable breeding practices, climate change, and other factors that put them at risk of extinction.
