Three hundred and twenty kilometers per hour. It's a speed that most of us will never experience outside of an airplane, and even then, we're shielded inside a pressurized metal cabin. But for the Peregrine Falcon, this astonishing speed is just another day on the hunt. Known as the fastest creatures on Earth, falcons regularly reach these dizzying velocities when diving to catch prey.
Given their incredible speed and precision, it’s no surprise that humans have long been fascinated by falcons, even turning them into hunting partners. In the Arabian Peninsula, falconry was a highly respected tradition. But unlike the domestication of dogs or cats, falcons were captured, trained for a short time, and released back into the wild during the breeding season. This sustainable practice not only honed the falcon’s hunting abilities but also ensured a robust population of these magnificent birds.
For centuries, the saker falcon (Falco cherrug) was the prized bird of choice for Arab falconers, renowned for its stamina, strength, and ability to withstand the harsh desert conditions of the Arabian Peninsula. Falconry was not merely a sport; it was a way of life, deeply integrated into the desert culture. Falcons like the saker were vital for hunting and survival, supplementing the diets of nomadic communities.
Traditionally, Arab falconers captured and trained wild saker falcons, releasing them back into the wild during the breeding season to ensure healthy populations. However, the landscape of falconry shifted in 2003 when the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) was enforced in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), banning the import of wild-caught falcons. This led to the rise of hybrid falcons, bred in captivity and replacing the once-dominant saker falcons in many parts of the Middle East. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, however, still revere the wild-caught saker, which remains highly valued in these regions.
Falconry, once essential for survival, has transformed into a symbol of prestige and cultural pride. It is now mostly practiced using captive-bred falcons, yet the art remains firmly rooted in Arab heritage. For modern falconers, it’s not merely a sport, but a revered tradition passed down through generations. Falconry offers a connection to the past, allowing today’s enthusiasts to return to the desert, where their ancestors once relied on these majestic birds. The desert camps, the fireside gatherings, and the falcon hunts offer a brief reprieve from the fast-paced modern world, reminding them of the deep connection between man, nature, and tradition.
Today, a single falcon can easily command prices upwards of USD 10,000, with some birds fetching as much as half a million dollars. As falconry evolved from a survival tool to a luxury pursuit, these birds have become status symbols for the wealthy elite.
In the modern era, falcons are pampered with luxurious care, from beauty pageants to specialized veterinary clinics in the Gulf States, ensuring they remain in top form. While traditional training methods involved swinging meat on a rope to mimic prey, today’s falconers employ drones and remote-controlled planes to condition their birds in high-altitude environments. These technological advancements have modernized falconry, but at its core, it remains a powerful link to the past.
Yet, for all the modern technology and luxury, the heart of Middle Eastern falconry remains deeply connected to tradition. This ancient practice, spanning thousands of years, continues to thrive, albeit in a new form that requires deep pockets. Falconry has become more than a sport; it’s a tribute to the region's rich cultural heritage, blending history with the opulence of the modern world.