Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme Successfully Returns 2,355 Falcons To Wild In Kazakhstan

The Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme has reached a significant milestone by releasing 81 falcons in Kazakhstan in May 2025. This initiative, now in its fourth decade, has successfully returned 2,355 Saker and Peregrine falcons to their natural habitats since it began. The programme's primary goal is to boost falcon populations and shield them from threats like habitat encroachment, unsustainable breeding, and climate change.

Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of the EAD Board of Directors and the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unwavering support. He highlighted that the programme is a leading global initiative for restoring endangered species. It continues the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father and underscores Abu Dhabi’s leadership in biodiversity conservation.

Before their release, each falcon underwent thorough veterinary examinations and intensive training. Identification leg bands and electronic microchips were fitted to all birds. Additionally, ten falcons received solar-powered satellite-tracking devices to monitor survival rates, dispersion patterns, and migration routes. This data will aid in refining rehabilitation and release strategies.

For nine consecutive years, the programme has released 53 Peregrine and 28 Saker falcons in Kazakhstan. Established in 1995, this initiative operates within a region that includes parts of Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Mongolia, and neighbouring areas. These regions are characterised by rugged mountains and vast plains that provide ideal habitats rich in prey.

Al Bowardi praised the successful collaborations that have propelled the programme's achievements. Key partners include the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, International Fund for Houbara Conservation, and Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. These partnerships have been instrumental in advancing the programme's objectives.

The Office of the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs and the UAE Embassy in Kazakhstan also provided valuable support. Al Bowardi acknowledged their contributions alongside those of Kazakhstani authorities who facilitated joint team efforts to implement this programme effectively.

The Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme exemplifies a commitment to nature conservation on a global scale. By fostering international cooperation and utilising advanced tracking technologies, it aims to ensure a sustainable future for these majestic birds while preserving biodiversity essential for environmental health.

With inputs from WAM