Bahrain Joins Global Push to Save Gyrfalcons

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

Gyrfalcon conservation has gained traction recently, with Bahrain joining the international effort as the seventh country to back this cause, alongside Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and the United Arab Emirates.

This shift follows a joint announcement from Bahrain and Russia last year, which detailed their plans to protect the gyrfalcon—referred to as “krechet” in Russia—a bird symbolising strength and freedom. The gyrfalcon has emerged as a shared cultural emblem between Bahrain and Russia.

The initiative, known as the “Kremlin Falcons Initiative,” was launched by a coalition including the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Russian Institute for Environmental Research, and the Roscongress Foundation.

The goal is to address illegal hunting and implement conservation measures for this rare bird species, while encouraging international cooperation and sharing best practices among the involved nations.

On 3rd September 2024, Russia will host the second International Falcon Day during the Eastern Economic Forum. This event will feature the debut of “The Arab Village,” a cultural exhibition organised by the Roscongress Foundation, which will display the traditions of Arab countries and their cultural connections with Russia.

The accompanying business programme will focus on effective conservation practices, international breeding and rehabilitation efforts, and the role of private investment in protecting rare species.

This partnership seeks to protect the cultural heritage linked to falconry and preserve the biodiversity of unique species for future generations.

The dialogue between the participating countries is grounded in mutual respect and an appreciation of diverse civilisations and values, aiming to benefit humanity as a whole.

Russian falcons are renowned for their hunting prowess, including swift reflexes and endurance, and their exceptional genetics make them valuable for breeding.

However, threats such as climate change and habitat loss are intensifying.

The illegal bird trade is a major concern, with the gyrfalcon population in Russia declining by a third over the past twenty years due to poaching.

As a result, the gyrfalcon, along with other birds of prey, is listed in the Red Book, making smuggling a criminal offence. Given their migration routes through countries including Romania, Libya, Turkey, Greece, and Serbia, it is crucial for regulatory authorities across these regions to monitor and control the trade of rare species, including on online and social media platforms.

Establishing international dialogue to tackle the illegal market is becoming increasingly essential.

Research published in Biological Conservation reveals that since 1975, over 60% of the global trade in daytime raptors listed in CITES has involved four species: hybrid falcons (26.8%), gyrfalcons (16.2%), hawks (11.5%), and falcons (7.1%), all highly sought after by the falconry community.

In this context, the Arab side has shown a strong resolve to protect endangered raptors and support breeding and rehabilitation programmes for gyrfalcons.

This international cooperation is set to enhance conservation efforts, with Bahrain and Russia working together based on mutual respect and collaboration to advance biodiversity conservation and environmental policy.

Russia has indicated that falconry has evolved into a global industry that drives economic growth in many countries, boosts purchasing power, and stimulates demand for sports tourism related to falconry’s heritage.

These factors motivate intensified conservation efforts for gyrfalcons, deeper partnerships with countries like Bahrain, and the development of joint projects to study bird populations, understand habitat sustainability, and support breeding initiatives.

The hope is that finalising key aspects of the framework declaration for gyrfalcon conservation and implementing international projects will help restore and preserve these shared traditions.