Kazakhstan Releases Over 80 Falcons into Wild Under UAE-Led Conservation Effort

As part of a long-standing international conservation effort, 81 falcons have been released into the wild in Kazakhstan’s Karaganda region under the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme.

The release, which took place from May 15 to 17, included 48 peregrine falcons and 33 saker falcons, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

The birds, bred in specialized nurseries in the United Arab Emirates, were introduced into the wild as part of a bilateral effort governed by a Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (Kazakhstan). The project focuses on the protection and rehabilitation of endangered raptor species and aims to foster greater international collaboration in wildlife conservation.

Since the inception of the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme, a total of 2,355 falcons have been returned to their natural habitats in Kazakhstan. The 2024 release also marked the ninth consecutive year of operations in the country and coincided with the program’s 40th anniversary, having launched in 1995.

Ahead of the release, the falcons underwent comprehensive veterinary screenings, intensive training, and were tagged with identification leg bands and microchips. In addition, ten falcons (five peregrines and five sakers) were outfitted with solar-powered satellite transmitters to monitor post-release behavior, survival rates, and migratory routes. Data collected from these devices will inform future conservation strategies.

In a related development, renowned US photographer Karolina Wojtasik visited Kazakhstan this year to document the country’s traditional falconry practices. Her compelling photographic series-highlighting the cultural heritage and bond between falconers and birds of prey-earned her the Communication Arts Award of Excellence in documentary photography.