International Fund for Houbara Conservation releases 1292 Houbaras into the wild

Abu Dhabi, May 14, 2012 (WAM) - Nearly 2300 Houbaras flew into the wilderness from captivity, thanks to an effort by the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) based in UAE. The Fund is one of Abu Dhabi government's initiatives to preserve the future of the houbara in the wild, as well as keeping alive the tradition of Arab falconry. The new set of Houbaras were released into their natural habitat from breeding centre as part of the celebrations marking the World Migratory Bird Day, said Mohammed Saleh Al Baidani, Director General IFHC. Since 2004 more than 4400 birds were released into the wilderness, he added. The Fund's efforts represent a continuation of the initiative of the founding father of UAE late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan and the efforts of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to preserve houbara populations, support research. An international effort to save the houbara bustard hopes to increase the population of the endangered bird to more than 50,000. The International Fund for Houbara Conservation would evolve a comprehensive global strategy for increasing the bird's population in its natural habitats, which stretch from North Africa to Central Asia. – Emirates News Agency, WAM