UAE conservation fund saves thousands of falcons, raptors from electrocution

Abu Dhabi - Three projects supported the restoration of the birds of prey and their habitats

The Mohamed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund has been able to successfully tackle the problems of electrocution of raptors by power lines and conserve their habitats, a top official said.

The Fund was created in April 2018 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

CEO Munir Virani pointed out how three signature projects have supported the conservation and restoration of raptors and their habitats.

Solution for shocks

The first of the projects is based in Mongolia, which has 56 species of birds of prey. While the falcon is the national bird of the UAE, the endangered saker falcon is the national bird of Mongolia.

According to a study done by the Fund, 20,000 birds in general — including 4,000 saker falcons — die every year because of the power lines that pose an electrocution risk in Mongolia.

“When the birds perch on the concrete poles and touch a power cable, they get electrocuted and die," said Virani.

"Studies done through the Fund showed that, annually, 18,000 birds of prey die. The steppe zone is flat, so the poles are the only perching site. They perch and get electrocuted."

The Fund, therefore, started the Mongolia electrical infrastructure remediation project. A simple, innovative and cost-effective plastic mould was used to insulate the power line and save thousands of birds of prey.

"Through a simple design, we were able to prevent passage of power and the birds don’t get electrocuted. This is real conservation in action,” he said.

“These programmes have been done through developing partnerships and collaborations. We pride ourselves in ensuring successful conservation outcomes,” Virani added.