The
numbers of UAE houbara declined in the past due to two factors: first, the
destruction of their natural habitat, caused by urban development, and, second,
the trapping of the birds in order to train falcons to hunt them, as the
houbara is not the natural prey of the falcon.
The
International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) has bred more than 13,000
Asian Houbara chicks this year, exceeding expectations. Apart from two UAE
breeding centres there is also one in Morocco and one in Kazakhstan. Plans to
introduce the birds into the wild have to be balanced with the needs of
falconers. The IFHC conducted surveys at the 2012 Abu Dhabi International
Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition to get information on the correct balance
needed. The exhibition, designed to represent Emirati culture and giving all
visitors a chance to learn more about endangered animals, hunting equipment and
locally-made items and to watch shows performed by Arab horses, camels and
police dogs, attracted a worldwide audience.
164 words.
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