Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme Has Returned A Total Of 2,355 Falcons To The Wild

(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) 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.

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