Falconers and Conservation – the
role of the IAF
Conservation through Sustainable
Utilization
 Falconers are hunters but
differ from other hunters as
they develop a mutually
beneficial relationship with a
bird of prey.
 Also sustainable users.
 Thus are involved in the
conservation, not only of
quarry species and the
environment, but also of
birds of prey.
The International Association for
Falconry and the Conservation of
Birds of Prey (IAF)
 Globally representative
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organization.
86 member organizations.
60 different nations
Represent the conservation
aspirations of Falconers.
Aim to form partnerships
with other conservationists
to advance the conservation
effort.
Conservation is the wise and prudent
management of Biological diversity within the
natural environment
 Presupposes a management
system.
 It is man’s responsibility to
manage Biodiversity.
The Bonelli’s Eagle in Sicily
 A small population exists on
the island of Sicily
 This Eagle is listed as “Of
least concern” by the IUCN
but is considered
Endangered in Europe.
 Theft for Falconry
considered the main threat
to this population.
 Falconers are excluded from
the Conservation effort.
The Problem
 2 chicks were robbed from
a nest this year.
 Subsequent call for the
banning of falconry in
Italy.
 The IAF condemned this
act and called for inclusion
of Falconers.
 Perpetrators caught with
the help of Falconers
The response
 Engagement with the law
enforcement department
of the Italian Forestry
service (Corpo Forestale).
 Correspondence with the
“Coordination for Raptor
Conservation in Sicily
 Need to involve Falconers
and address other real
challenges.
The Tree-Nesting Peregrines
 Collapse of Peregrine
populations in the 1960s.
 Falconers were actively
involved in the restoration
process.
 The Peregrine Fund
achievements.
 Cliff-nesting Peregrines
have been restored to preDDT numbers
The problem of the Tree-nesting
Peregrines
 The tree-nesting
population was
completely exterminated
in Central Europe.
 Cannot recruit from cliffnesting birds due to neststructure imprinting.
The Response
 Initial effort by German
Falconers (DFO) working
in collaboration with other
conservation groups.
 Appropriate imprinting by
“hacking” captive-bred
chicks from treestructures.
 Success with an
established tree-breeding
population.
Further action
 Effort extended to Poland,
Czech Republic and
planned for Belarus.
 Falconers working with
other conservationist and
encouraged by the IAF
 Dutch Falconers are now
involved providing
Peregrine chicks for
release.
Promoting Conservation of the
Saker Falcon
 Saker Falcon has been the
subject of sustainable use
for the past 2000 years, at
least.
 Decline in some
populations noted over
the past 20 years.
 Attributed to
unsustainable harvesting.
 Other causes –
Electrocution,
extermination of rodents,
poisoning etc.
Response by Falconers in the
Middle East.
 Development of Captive
breeding
 Improvement in
legislation and law
enforcement
 Sustainable use project in
Mongolia with artificial
nest structures.
Convention on Migratory Species
2011 Conference
 Call to upgrade to CMS
Appendix I - citing
unsustainable harvesting as
the cause.
 Addressed by the IAF with
support from FACE and the
CIC.
 Achieved recognition for
sustainable use projects
(CMS II) and recognition for
other causes of the
population decline
Subsequent Action
 The IAF is a Signatory to
the Raptors MoU of the
CMS.
 Active participant in the
Saker Task Force.
 IAF-developed Population
modelling for Sustainable
Use.
 Engagement with other
Stakeholders at the
Stakeholders Workshop
Sustainable use
Establishment of sustainable
use programs will:
 Reduce illegal harvesting
 Develop an appreciation
for the value of these
birds
 Aid in addressing other
causes of their decline.
Conclusion
 Falconers are hunters with
a difference.
 We desire the support of
other hunters and
conservationists.
 Misconceptions and
suspicions regarding our
Art.
 Addressed by engagement
to overcome prejudice
Thank you.