The Role of the Gyrfalcon in Arabian Falconry.

Abstract

—In the United Arab Emirates, Saker Falcons (Falco cherrug) and Peregrine Falcons (F. peregrinus) are traditionally used in falconry. The success of hybrids has made falconers appreciate purebred Gyrfalcons (F. rusticolus). It took some years to develop techniques for managing the Gyrfalcon for good health and hunting, and it is now valued alongside the Saker and Peregrine Falcon. Gyrfalcons are becoming increasingly popular because they are good hunters, as well as being large and beautiful. Although there is some illegal trade in wild Gyrfalcons, the United Arab Emirates has developed strong regulations involving a ringing and passport system for ownership. Illegal wild Gyrfalcons held in captivity, owing to stress, are more prone to disease such as aspergillosis, amyloidosis, and bumblefoot. Captive-bred Gyrfalcons are steadier and can live, hunt, and breed for many years. Captive breeding will provide sustainable supplies without impacting wild populations. Research is in progress to analyze the genomes of Peregrine and Saker Falcons, which are genetically very similar to the Gyrfalcon. This will help in the long-term health of the wild populations and sustainable supplies of quality falcons for falconry. Transcribed from an oral presentation given by Majid Al Mansouri on 1 February 2011. AL BOWARDI, M. 2011. The role of the Gyrfalcon in Arabian falconry. Pages 21–26 in R. T. Watson, T. J. Cade, M. Fuller, G. Hunt, and E. Potapov (Eds.). Gyrfalcons and Ptarmigan in a Changing World, Volume I. The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho, USA. http://dx.doi.org/10.4080/gpcw.2011.0102