Falconers and Conservation – the role of the IAF

1. Falconers and Conservation – the role of the IAF

2. 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.

3. The International Association for Falconry and the Conservation of Birds of Prey (IAF) • Globally representative 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. The response • Engagement with the law enforcement department of the Italian Forestry service (CorpoForestale). • Correspondence with the “Coordination for Raptor Conservation in Sicily • Need to involve Falconers and address other real challenges.

8. 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 pre-DDT numbers

9. The problem of the Tree-nesting Peregrines • The tree-nesting population was completely exterminated in Central Europe. • Cannot recruit from cliff-nesting birds due to nest-structure imprinting.

10. The Response • Initial effort by German Falconers (DFO) working in collaboration with other conservation groups. • Appropriate imprinting by “hacking” captive-bred chicks from tree-structures. • Success with an established tree-breeding population.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Convention on Migratory Species2011 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

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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

18. Thankyou.