Protecting endangered falcons: Saudi Arabia releases falcons in Kazakhstan
As part of its ongoing efforts to preserve biodiversity and safeguard its rich heritage, the Saudi Falcons Club announced the release of a new batch of endangered falcons into their natural habitat in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This initiative is part of the ambitious “Haddad” program, which aims to reintroduce falcons and stabilize their populations along their global migration routes, underscoring the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leading role in wildlife conservation.
This step is an extension of integrated scientific efforts aimed at reintroducing falcons to their original habitats, and comes within the framework of the international launch of the program, which continues until 2026. The program includes the release of specific species such as saker falcons and peregrine falcons into their natural environments outside the Kingdom, to ensure their reproduction and sustainability.
Pioneering Saudi efforts to preserve the falconry heritage
Falconry holds a deep cultural and heritage place in the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular, representing an integral part of national identity. This heritage, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, faces significant challenges due to the declining number of falcons in the wild as a result of overhunting and habitat degradation. Therefore, initiatives like the “Haddad” program are not only an environmental effort but also a cultural imperative to ensure the continuity of this ancient tradition for future generations by guaranteeing the survival of falcons in the wild.
The “Haddad” program: A scientific vision for protecting endangered falcons
The “Haddad” program is based on a rigorous scientific methodology that begins with the qualification and training of falcons for hunting and self-reliance, culminating in the meticulous selection of release sites. The Altyn Emel National Park in Kazakhstan was chosen based on stringent environmental criteria. The park offers vast open spaces and habitats, along with an abundance of natural prey that falcons need to survive and reproduce. Its strategic location on one of the world’s most important falcon migration routes makes it an ideal environment to support their adaptation and integration after release. To ensure the program’s success, the released falcons are equipped with advanced solar-powered tracking devices to monitor their movements and collect vital data on their behavior and migration routes.
International dimensions of an initiative that transcends borders
The importance of this initiative extends beyond the local and regional levels, representing a significant Saudi contribution to international efforts to preserve biodiversity. Falcons are migratory birds that travel thousands of kilometers across international borders, making their protection a shared global responsibility. By releasing these falcons in Kazakhstan, the Kingdom is contributing to strengthening the ecological balance in Central Asia and supporting the stability of falcon populations along their migration route, thus benefiting the ecosystems of numerous countries. This collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan serves as a successful model for international partnerships in the field of migratory species conservation.
