Sheikh Zayed Falcon Programme Releases 81 Falcons In Kazakhstan

Photo: WAM

In May 2025, a special event took place in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme released 81 falcons back into the wild. This is an important step in protecting these amazing birds. The release included 53 Peregrine falcons and 28 Saker falcons. It shows the programme’s dedication to saving falcons and keeping their population strong.

What Is The Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme?

This programme started in 1995. It was established by the UAE as part of its efforts to protect nature and wildlife. The main aim is to increase the number of falcons in the wild and protect them from dangers. Over the years, the programme has released a total of 2,355 falcons back into their natural habitats. These falcons include both Saker and Peregrine species.

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Why Is This Programme Important?

Falcons face many threats in today’s world. Some of these threats are caused by humans. For example:

• Expanding human activities: People build cities, roads, and farms on lands that used to be natural habitats for animals. This makes it difficult for falcons to find safe places to live and hunt.

• Unsustainable breeding practices: Sometimes, falcons are bred in ways that are not good for their health or population.

• Climate change: Changes in weather and temperature also affect falcons and their habitats.

The programme works to reduce these threats. By releasing healthy and strong falcons back into the wild, it helps keep the population balanced. This is very important because falcons play a role in keeping the food chain healthy. They hunt small birds and animals, which helps control their population.

Where Were The Falcons Released?

The recent release took place in Kazakhstan. This country has vast plains and high mountains. These areas are perfect for falcons because:

• They have plenty of open space to fly.

• There are enough small animals and birds for falcons to hunt.

• The land is rugged, which provides safe nesting spots.

Kazakhstan is part of the falcons’ natural migratory route. Their range also includes Russia, China, Mongolia, and neighbouring countries. These regions have suitable habitats where falcons can survive and grow.

How Are The Falcons Prepared Before Release?

Before the falcons are released, they go through several important steps to make sure they are ready for the wild:

1. Comprehensive veterinary checks: Doctors check each falcon to ensure they are healthy and free from diseases.

2. Intensive training: Falcons are trained to hunt and fly freely. This training prepares them to survive in their natural habitats.

3. Identification and tracking: All falcons are fitted with leg bands and microchips. This helps experts identify them later if needed.

4. Satellite tracking: Ten falcons (five of each species) are fitted with special solar-powered satellite tracking devices. These devices collect data about:

   • Where the falcons travel

   • Their survival rates

   • Their migration routes

This data is very useful. It helps scientists understand falcons better and improve their training and release methods for future programmes.

Who Supports This Programme?

Many organisations and people are involved in making this programme successful. Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) Board of Directors, and Vice Chairman of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, shared his gratitude. He thanked H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the EAD Board of Directors, for his constant support.

Al Bowardi said that this programme is now one of the world’s leading projects for restoring endangered wildlife species. It shows how Abu Dhabi and the UAE lead the world in nature conservation. The UAE’s Founding Father believed in protecting nature, and this programme continues his legacy.

Key Partners In The Programme

Apart from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the programme works with many other important partners such as:

• UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment: They help with policy and national support.

• Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund: This fund supports the conservation of raptors (birds of prey like falcons).

• International Fund for Houbara Conservation: They work to protect houbara bustards, another important bird species, and support the falcon programme.

• Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital: They provide medical care and checks for the falcons before release.

Support From Kazakhstan Authorities

The programme also receives great support from the Government of Kazakhstan. Al Bowardi expressed his appreciation to the Committee on Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan. They help the UAE team carry out their work smoothly in the country. The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Kazakhstan also supports the mission to ensure everything goes as planned.

How Does This Help The Environment?

By releasing falcons back into the wild, the programme:

• Keeps the ecosystem balanced

• Helps falcons continue their natural migration

• Supports biodiversity, which is the variety of life on Earth

A healthy environment with balanced wildlife is important for everyone, including humans. Falcons are part of the rich biodiversity that keeps the earth’s systems strong.

The Future Of The Programme

The Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme plans to continue its work in the coming years. With each release, the team learns more about how to care for, train, and release falcons effectively. This knowledge helps make future releases even better and safer for the falcons.

The release of 81 falcons in May 2025 marks a proud moment for the UAE and Kazakhstan. It shows what countries can achieve when they work together to protect nature. The Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme is not just about falcons. It is about caring for our planet, preserving life, and respecting the natural world for future generations.