Falconry enthusiasts from various regions travel with their birds to the United Arab Emirates, using customs in the Ural region as a passageway.
In a recent development, a breeding pair of Saker Falcons, highly-prized for their hunting prowess, crossed the Russian border at the Ural Electronic Customs, bound for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The current demand for Saker Falcons in Arab countries remains strong, with these birds being highly sought after at regional falcon auctions, such as those held in Abu Dhabi. The birds are favored for hunting due to their size, strength, and agility, making them ideal for hunting game animals in desert environments, a common practice in these countries.
Falconry is not just a sport in these regions, but also a cultural heritage. It is supported by licensing and regulation to ensure ethical treatment, conservation compliance, and to prevent illegal trade. Initiatives like the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Program indicate ongoing efforts to conserve falcon populations while sustaining their cultural importance. Such programs help replenish wild populations of Saker Falcons, supporting sustainable falconry practices in the region.
The Saker Falcons in question were bred and raised in captivity in the Leningrad region before being exported to the UAE. The export was authorized with an export permit from Russia's Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources. The staff at the Ural Electronic Customs processed the live cargo in less than an hour, and the Saker Falcons continued their journey to the UAE.
Sergei Epifanov, head of the Ural Electronic Customs, made a statement about the Saker Falcons' border crossing, expressing satisfaction with the smooth process. The news was published by RIA "Novyi Den", with the article written by Elena Vladimirova in Yekaterinburg.
It is worth noting that the demand for Saker Falcons in Arab countries exceeds the capacity of breeding populations, making imports necessary to meet the demand. Each Saker Falcon is worth 30,000 rubles, reflecting their high value.
The Saker Falcons are trained for hunting birds, hares, and even gazelles, making them versatile hunters in their new home. In the UAE, they will likely become an integral part of the local falconry culture, continuing the centuries-old tradition of falconry in these regions.
Read also:
- Weekly updates from the German federal parliament, Bundestag
- Why Opt for Renewable Energy: 5 Key Advantages
- Carpool lane residency: Apologies to electric vehicle drivers, it's about time for genuine carpools to claim the carpool lane privilege
- Heat pump subsidy of £7,500 not making its way to the majority of households remains an issue
