UAE?s  conservation programme has released 93 falcons into the wild. The 46 peregrine and 47 saker falcons were set free in Kurchum in eastern Kazakhstan by the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme of UAE. With this ,the total  number of falcons reintroduced into the wild has reached  1,554. Kazakhstan?s wilderness was chosen as it is along the birds? migratory routes and has an abundance of prey such as other birds, small mammals and rodents.

It was the fifth consecutive year the programme has used the area. Five falcons of each species were fitted with solar battery powered satellite transmitters, used to track their migration and breeding patterns. Scientists hope to use the information to ensure higher survival rates in the future. The programme was established in 1995 to protect falcons and their prey, such as the endangered Asian Houbara.

Peregrine and saker falcons, donated by falconers, are examined for disease at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. The birds are then treated before being sent to a training camp for the next eight weeks. The strongest birds are released. Some falcons will fly up to 270 kilometres within their first week in the wild.

The conservation effort aims to preserve the birds and the sport of falconry, a centuries-old Bedouin hunting method. 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 improves our community.

The 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, they are given the chance to reproduce and for populations to expand. This in its turn also helps sustain the culture and heritage of falconry which has been important for thousands of years for UAE.