The Falcon Release Program has been introduced by H.H. The Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1995. The program’s objective was to return wild peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and saker falcons (Falco cherrug) to their original habitat. In this great conservational effort so far more than 1,190 falcons have been released in release locations like Pakistan, Iran or Kazakhstan. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is in charge of the medical surveillance of the falcon release program. It fully examines all falcons to ensure that they are healthy and fit to be sent for release. Only fully healthy falcons that are physically trained and fit can be released back to the wild. Moreover, the satellite transmitters are fitted in the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital after selection of suitable falcons.
Every year during spring time, the falcons are taken from UAE to the release locations situated on the natural migration routes of wild falcons. The final release areas are carefully chosen in unpopulated regions and depend on the availability of food like small birds and water e.g. rivers & lakes. Several falcons are fitted with satellite transmitters to monitor the flight paths and provide data about the survival rates of the released falcons.
In May 2009, 68 wild falcons were released in Kazakhstan. Out of 68 falcons, 46 were Peregrine falcons and 22 were Saker falcons. 3 of the peregrine falcons and 7 saker falcons were fitted with battery powered and solar satellite transmitters. One of those falcons flew already more than 2,250km after being released.
