In recent times, local centers and farms dedicated to breeding and producing rare birds such as falcons, crows, hawks, and other animals have flourished. Their impact has been evident and appreciated by falconers and specialists.
The productive outcome was evident in the Al Gannas society's shift from using electronic falcons in their competitions to live ones, which received a positive response from participants.
In the early stages of their competitions, Al Gannas relied on electronic falcons to conserve the natural habitat of falcons, encourage their breeding in private farms, and preserve environmental diversity.
In this context, farms and breeding centers made a strong presence at the Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (Shail 2023), with large pavilions aimed at introducing the public to their efforts in sustainability and the preservation of pure and rare breeds.
Several officials from these farms and centers emphasized the importance of the exhibition in promoting falconry heritage and hunting among the youth and fostering international co-operation in this field.
Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah bin Thani Al-Thani, owner of the Um Hish Falconry and Falcon Breeding Reserve, stated that their participation in the exhibition showcased migratory and non-migratory birds, particularly the Houbara Bustard, a non-migratory rare bird that had been rehabilitated in various desert areas of the country. He also mentioned their efforts to breed crows and Houbara Bustards and release them into the wild throughout Qatar, alongside their commitment to preserving the Houbara Bustard from extinction.
He emphasised that Um Hish Reserve had been participating in the exhibition since its first edition and highlighted the significance of Suhail, which brings together all the necessary tools for falconers and falconry enthusiasts in one place.
Um Hish Reserve was established in 1950 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Thani bin Jassim Al-Thani and houses gazelles, Houbara Bustards, various bird species, and falcons.
Ali bin Abdullah Al Misnad, owner of the Zbarah Falcon Breeding Center in Qatar, expressed his passion for falconry and falcons' breeding. He mentioned their focus on breeding and conserving various falcon species such as the Peregrine Falcon, Lanner Falcon, and Saker Falcon. Additionally, he highlighted their interest in breeding and releasing falcons into the wild while emphasizing the benefits they provide to future generations.
He further mentioned their goal of producing the Kalidus falcon, a subspecies of the Saker Falcon, to ensure pure bloodlines and release some of them back into their native habitat in cooperation with relevant authorities inside and outside Qatar.
Abdul Latif Al Misnad, founder and owner of the Badia Research Center for Houbara and Bird Breeding, emphasized their commitment to environmental development and wildlife conservation through scientific research, field studies, and breeding of Houbara Bustards, wild birds, and falcons.
The center, located in Al Khor on a 14,990 square meter private farm, includes administrative offices, feed rooms, egg incubators, chick rearing facilities, air-conditioned buildings, outdoor aviaries, data analysis and bird health rooms, as well as veterinary clinics for bird treatment and vaccination.
He noted that the center's goals include creating a replicable and sustainable model, overcoming obstacles through research and experimentation, collaborating with research centers and universities, supporting environmental conservation, breeding in captivity, managing projects, and providing consultations.
During the Suhail 2022 exhibition, the center signed a cooperation agreement with the Al Jareesh Center for Houbara Breeding in Saudi Arabia.
